The pursuit of economic growth has long stood as the central objective for nations, propelling advancements in technology, infrastructure, and industry on a global scale [1]. Simultaneously, this unrelenting drive towards industrialization and economic prosperity has brought forth significant environmental costs. The extensive reliance on fossil fuels, a hallmark of this growth, has spawned adverse consequences such as climate change and environmental degradation, as underscored by reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018 and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2019. Amid these mounting challenges, a growing recognition of the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources has emerged as a linchpin for achieving sustainable economic growth ^[2][3][2,3].

This paradigm shift towards renewables, encompassing solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power sources, holds significant promise as a replacement for fossil fuels. However, realizing the full potential of renewable energies entails understanding both their benefits and limitations. Moreover, scholars have emphasized the critical importance of assessing the environmental, economic, and social implications of renewable energy technologies to gauge their effectiveness in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, and fostering sustainable development ^[2][3][4][2,3,4]. Furthermore, it is imperative to identify the constraints and challenges that hinder the extensive implementation of renewable energies to formulate efficacious policies and strategies ^[5][6][5,6]. In conclusion, the aforementioned research serves to assist policymakers and stakeholders in making well-informed decisions on the practical challenges, technological limitations, and infrastructure prerequisites associated with the integration of renewable energy.

Furthermore, the attainment of sustainable development necessitates a comprehension of the variables that impact environmentally-friendly economic expansion. Energy is a crucial component of economic activities, and the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources is a significant catalyst for the growth of environmentally friendly economic development. A thorough examination of energy efficiency, technological innovation, policy frameworks, and market dynamics is necessary to assess the impact of different energy-related factors on economic growth, as suggested by various sources ^[3][5][7][8][3,5,7,8]). Therefore, it is imperative that a thorough examination of energy efficiency, technological innovation, policy frameworks, and market dynamics is necessary to assess the impact of different energy-related factors on economic growth. By conducting such an analysis, policymakers can formulate and execute proficient strategies aimed at encouraging the uptake of renewable energy sources, catalyzing investments in environmentally friendly technologies, and cultivating sustainable economic development.

Crucially, this endeavor demands a thorough exploration of the hurdles and obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of renewable energy. Policymakers and stakeholders require insights into the practical challenges, technological constraints, and infrastructural prerequisites associated with this transition ^[5][6][5,6]. By delving into the intricate interplay between renewable energy, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, this research strives to provide comprehensive guidance to policymakers and industry leaders in their quest to shape effective policies and strategies. However, previous research efforts have often fallen short in certain key areas [4]. 

The process of shifting towards renewable energies is faced with various challenges and requires substantial investments in infrastructure, technological advancements, and human resources. This complex transition, marked by the incorporation of intermittent renewable energy sources into pre-existing energy systems, presents a multitude of technical and logistical obstacles. Contemporary research, exemplified by the bibliometric analysis carried out on the green economy and renewable energy policy, can provide valuable insights into the determinants that impact the uptake of renewable energy sources in addressing these intricate issues [8]. This was also highlighted by the comprehensive bibliometric analysis conducted [9], which explored the advancements in green and renewable energy technologies, providing insight into their potential impact on sustainable development.

2. The Role of Renewable Energy in Economic Growth

The conventional approach to achieving economic growth has been heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which has resulted in unfavorable ecological outcomes [10]. The IPCC has acknowledged the imperative of shifting towards renewable energy sources to attain sustainable economic progress [11]. The relationship between renewable energy and economic growth has been the subject of numerous research studies. Empirical data indicate a correlation between the utilization of renewable energy sources and economic metrics, such as the expansion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ^[12][13][12,13]. A study conducted by Apergis and Payne utilized a panel design to examine countries within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) [12]. The research indicated that augmenting the utilization of renewable energy sources has a favorable effect on the advancement of the economy. The statement suggests that there exists a positive correlation between the utilization of renewable energy sources by nations and their corresponding levels of economic advancement. The investigation conducted by Martinez-Duart and Garcia-Muros contributes to the existing body of literature by examining the correlation between renewable energy and economic metrics [13]. Although their outcomes may vary, they furnish supplementary substantiation for the beneficial influence of renewable energy on economic development. Prior studies have underscored the capacity of renewable energy to act as a catalyst for economic advancement. The adoption of renewable energy sources can serve as a dual-purpose strategy for nations to address environmental issues and promote economic development by reducing their dependence on non-renewable energy sources. The results underscore the significance of promoting the adoption of renewable energy and allocating resources toward the development of renewable energy infrastructure to attain sustainable economic growth over an extended period.

3. Regional and Country-Specific Contexts

The examination of regional and country-specific contexts is a crucial aspect of academic inquiry. It involves analyzing the unique social, cultural, political, and economic factors that shape a particular region’s approach to renewable energy and its impact on economic growth. The interplay between renewable energy and economic growth is significantly influenced by regional and national contexts. It is imperative to take into account the distinct renewable energy capacities, regulatory frameworks, and organizational structures that are specific to individual nations or regions. The correlation between economic growth and renewable energy is subject to the influence of regional and country-specific factors. The deployment outcomes of renewable energy can be influenced by various factors such as policy frameworks, institutional arrangements, and renewable energy potentials, which vary across different countries ^[13][14][13,14]. Martinez-Duart and Garcia-Muros underscore the significance of contextual factors in their study [13]. The authors highlight the significance of regional variations in the potential for renewable energy, as well as the efficacy of policy frameworks, in shaping the results of renewable energy implementation. The investigation of factors related to renewable energy and economic growth allows researchers to acquire a more comprehensive comprehension of the intricate and multifaceted nature of their relationship. The study examined the influence of regional and country-specific variables on the relationship between renewable energy and economic growth [14]. The study’s results provide insight into the impact of institutional arrangements and policy support systems on the consequences of renewable energy investments and subsequent economic growth. Charfeddine and Mrabet contributed to the existing literature by performing a panel data analysis across various nations [15]. The study conducted by the researchers revealed that the influence of renewable energy on the economic development of a nation is subject to variation based on the country in question, underscoring the significance of considering regional and country-specific factors. Policymakers can formulate specific approaches that can optimize the economic advantages of integrating renewable energy sources, by considering the distinct attributes and circumstances of individual nations. The existing body of literature suggests that the correlation between renewable energy and economic growth is subject to the influence of regional and country-specific factors. Comprehending the contextual variables is of utmost importance in formulating efficacious policies and tactics that employ renewable energy sources to propel sustainable economic expansion. By considering the unique regional and country-specific contexts, policymakers can develop customized strategies that effectively utilize the renewable energy potential of each area while simultaneously promoting economic growth objectives.

4. Challenges in Renewable Energy Integration

Notwithstanding the potential advantages, the integration of renewable energy sources is beset with impediments and complexities. The aforementioned factors encompass technological limitations, elevated upfront expenses, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory hindrances [4]. Liu et al. conducted a comprehensive evaluation of renewable energy development in China and found that policy barriers pose a significant challenge to the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies [16]. Comprehending and surmounting these hindrances is of utmost importance in advancing the utilization of renewable energy sources and achieving their economic viability. The full potential of renewable energy integration for economic growth is hindered by various obstacles and challenges that require resolution. The challenges that impede the implementation of this technology encompass technological limitations, substantial upfront expenses, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory impediments ^[4][16][4,16] have identified technological constraints as a notable impediment to the integration of renewable energy sources. The discourse centers around the difficulties posed by sporadic energy sources such as solar and wind power, in addition to the necessity for sophisticated technologies and storage remedies to guarantee a consistent and dependable energy provision. The study underscores the significant cost associated with the initial investment in renewable energy projects [16]. The authors deliberate upon the economic obstacles encountered by developers of renewable energy and underscore the necessity of financial instruments that incentivize investment in renewable energy infrastructure, such as subsidies and incentives. A deficiency in infrastructure represents an additional obstacle to the integration of renewable energy sources. This encompasses concerns related to the capacity of the grid, as well as issues about the transmission and distribution systems. Nonrenewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, have played a pivotal role in driving economic growth for centuries. These energy sources have fueled industrialization, allowing nations to develop and expand their economies rapidly. The availability of abundant and affordable nonrenewable energy has been a cornerstone for various economic sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and construction. Industries heavily reliant on energy, such as steel production and chemical manufacturing, have thrived on the consistent and concentrated power provided by nonrenewable sources [17]. Additionally, nonrenewable energy has powered the transportation sector, facilitating global trade and commerce, which is indispensable for robust economic growth [18]. The significance of nonrenewable energy in economic growth is further underscored by its role in technological advancement. Access to consistent and affordable energy has driven innovation and the development of energy-intensive technologies that have transformed societies. Furthermore, nonrenewable energy has been a catalyst for urbanization, as it enables the construction of infrastructure and the provision of services in densely populated areas [19]. This rapid urbanization, in turn, has stimulated economic growth by creating employment opportunities and fostering economic diversification. In essence, the historical link between nonrenewable energy and economic development is undeniable, with these energy sources acting as crucial drivers of growth. Renewable energy sources represent a critical component of future economic growth, offering a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative to nonrenewable counterparts. Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, among others, have the potential to accomplish the ambitious goals set forth by proponents of renewable energy. Firstly, renewable energy is characterized by its low environmental impact, making it a key player in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. As international concern about climate change grows, the adoption of renewable energy becomes essential for securing long-term economic stability [11]. Renewable energy’s ability to provide clean and sustainable power underpins its potential to drive comprehensive economic development. It offers a pathway to energy security, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuel resources and enhancing the resilience of energy systems [2]. Moreover, the renewable energy sector can generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth through investments in research, development, and infrastructure [3]. By harnessing the power of renewables, nations can create a virtuous cycle of economic progress, environmental sustainability, and energy security, demonstrating that renewable energy has the potential to accomplish the multifaceted goals set out for it.