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Journals / Journal of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty / 2026 / Volume: 13 Issue: 2

The Impact of Digitalization on Energy Efficiency: Panel Data Analysis for OECD and EU Countries (2010–2023)

Hayriye Taşcı(GAZİANTEP ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SOSYAL BİLİMLER MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU)0000-0002-6402-3151
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-06-30
DOI
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Overall, the results highlight the importance of addressing digital transformation policies in an integrated manner with energy efficiency targets and indicate that digital infrastructure, data governance, and innovative technologies should be considered as complementary elements of energy policy.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the impact of digitalization on energy efficiency at the macroeconomic level.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Digitalization is represented by international digitalization indicators, while blockchain technology is incorporated into the analysis as a complementary component of the digital transformation.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Overall, the results highlight the importance of addressing digital transformation policies in an integrated manner with energy efficiency targets and indicate that digital infrastructure, data governance, and innovative technologies should be considered as complementary elements of energy policy.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:2010–2023 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Digitalization · Energy Efficiency · Energy Economics

Abstract

This study examines the impact of digitalization on energy efficiency at the macroeconomic level. While rising global energy demand and environmental pressures make it necessary to manage energy use more effectively, digital technologies have emerged as a key factor enhancing efficiency in energy systems. In this context, energy efficiency is measured using the energy intensity indicator, which is widely employed in the literature. Digitalization is represented by international digitalization indicators, while blockchain technology is incorporated into the analysis as a complementary component of the digital transformation. The empirical analysis is based on an annual panel dataset covering 30 selected countries—predominantly OECD and EU members—for the period 2010–2023. Fixed- and random-effects models are employed, and the appropriate specification is determined using the Hausman test. To improve the reliability of the estimates, country-clustered robust standard errors are used. The findings show that digitalization has a statistically significant negative effect on energy intensity, thereby improving energy efficiency. The patent-based proxy used to represent blockchain technological development also exhibits a significant energy-intensity-reducing effect within the fixed-effects framework, suggesting that blockchain may play a complementary role in the digitalization–energy efficiency nexus. Overall, the results highlight the importance of addressing digital transformation policies in an integrated manner with energy efficiency targets and indicate that digital infrastructure, data governance, and innovative technologies should be considered as complementary elements of energy policy.

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Cite This Article

Taşcı, H. (2026). The Impact of Digitalization on Energy Efficiency: Panel Data Analysis for OECD and EU Countries (2010–2023). Journal of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Economics and Administrative Sciences Faculty, Volume: 13 Issue: 2. https://ajindex.com/articles/1642017

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