Adebayo T S, Olanrewaju V O, Uzun B. Do energy patents and energy prices drive the shift toward sustainable energy sources? A wavelet quantile-based analysis. Geoscience Frontiers. 2025 May 1;16(5):102101.
In a recent study published in Geoscience Frontiers, Near East University researchers have provided valuable insights into the dynamics of the U.S. energy transition through an advanced econometric lens.
The study, titled investigates how technological innovation—measured through energy patents—and energy prices shape the move toward renewable energy in the United States between 2000 and 2023.
By applying wavelet quantile cointegration and wavelet quantile-on-quantile regression, the authors—Dr. T.S. Adebayo (Operational Research Center in Healthcare, Near East University), Dr. V.O. Olanrewaju (European University of Lefke), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Uzun (Department of Mathematics & Operational Research Center in Healthcare, Near East University)—analyzed the evolving interaction between innovation, prices, and renewable energy use across different time horizons.
Their findings reveal that fossil fuel patents significantly hinder renewable energy consumption, while clean energy patents, though expected to support renewables, also exert a mild negative influence—particularly in the short term. Conversely, rising energy prices and economic growth were found to stimulate renewable energy adoption by enhancing cost competitiveness and investment potential.
The study’s methodological innovation lies in its use of wavelet quantile-based techniques, allowing a nuanced view of how technological and market forces interact over time. Importantly, the authors propose that policy incentives should prioritize renewable technology innovation over fossil-based patents, and that carbon pricing mechanisms could accelerate the shift toward sustainability.
Through this research, Near East University continues to demonstrate its leadership in interdisciplinary and data-driven approaches to global sustainability challenges, supporting the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).
For collaboration and inquiries, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Uzun at [email protected]
About the researchers
Dr. T.S. Adebayo is a researcher at the Operational Research Center in Healthcare at Near East University, Northern Cyprus, with joint affiliations at VIZJA University in Warsaw and the Research Center of Development Economics at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC). Dr. V.O. Olanrewaju is affiliated with the Advanced Research Centre at the European University of Lefke, Northern Cyprus. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Berna Uzun, from the Mathematics Department and the Operational Research Center in Healthcare at Near East University, specializes in applied mathematics, data science, and statistical modeling. She welcomes collaborative research opportunities and can be reached at [email protected].
Abstract
While the significant role of technological innovation in promoting renewable energy has been extensively explored in the literature, limited attention has been paid to the impact of energy patents, particularly clean energy patents and fossil fuel patents. This study pioneers an investigation into the effects of energy patents and energy prices on renewable energy consumption. The study utilizes data from 2000Q1 to 2023Q4 and, due to the nonlinear nature of the series, applies wavelet quantile-based methods. Specifically, it introduces the wavelet quantile cointegration approach to evaluate cointegration across different quantiles and time horizons, along with the wavelet quantile-on-quantile regression method. The results confirm cointegration across different periods and quantiles, highlighting the significant relationships between energy patents, economic factors, and renewable energy consumption. Furthermore, we found that fossil energy patents negatively affect renewable energy consumption, while clean energy patents have a similar but weaker effect, especially in the short term. In addition, higher energy prices promote renewable energy adoption while economic growth positively influences renewable energy consumption, particularly in the short term. The study formulates specific policies based on these findings.
