A spatial–temporal analysis of income inequality and wind energy development in the U.S.

• DOI: 10.1016/j.wds.2024.100129
• Publication Date: 2024-03-05T03:23:24Z
• Authors: Sisi Meng; Zhanaiym Kozybay
• Keywords: Renewable energy; 0211 other engineering and technologies; Economic growth, development, planning; Instrumental variables; 02 engineering and technology; Distributional impacts; Gini coefficient; Environmental sciences; HD72-88; GE1-350; Income inequality; Wind energy

This study addressed the distributional challenges associated with renewable energy development. In U.S., wind has become most prevalent source, offering significant advantages in decarbonization, economic growth, and access to affordable clean energy. However, concerns emerged regarding consequences of aimed empirically examine (i) impact projects on income inequality (ii) any trends this from a spatial–temporal perspective. To achieve this, we constructed new variable measure development at U.S. county level across four periods (2010, 2013, 2016, 2019). address potential endogeneity, employed Instrumental Variable Two-Stage Least Squares (IV-2SLS) regression three geophysical variables resource capacity. After combining data collected American Community Survey (ACS), our analysis revealed that had consistently positive inequality. effect diminished magnitude over time as expanded, indicating an optimistic outlook for light these findings, discussed mechanisms effect, such employment, land lease payment, tax revenue, their policy implications.