Decoding the environmental role of nuclear and renewable energy consumption: A time-frequency perspective

Adebayo T., Ozsahin D. U., Olanrewaju V. O., Uzun B.

Annals of Nuclear Energy, vol.223, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 223
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.anucene.2025.111660
  • Journal Name: Annals of Nuclear Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Greenhouse gas emissions, Nuclear energy consumption, Renewable energy consumption, Social globalization, Wavelet tools
  • Open Archive Collection: Article
  • Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Harnessing nuclear and renewable energy offers a powerful pathway to slash greenhouse gas emissions (GHGS), break fossil fuel dependence, and secure a stable, low-carbon energy supply for enduring ecological balance. Thus, this study pioneers an investigation into the time–frequency association between greenhouse gas emissions and its key drivers, specifically nuclear energy and renewable energy consumption in the United States. Additionally, the study examines the role of social globalization and economic growth using data from 1970:Q1 to 2023:Q4. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study to explore this connection through wavelet methods. The findings reveal that, across various time frequencies, GHGS and social globalization are negatively correlated, GHGS and renewable energy are negatively correlated, and GHGS and nuclear energy are negatively correlated. Based on these results, the study formulates a coordinated policy approach.