Intellectual property rights, renewable energy innovation, and carbon emission reduction: Insights from China's provincial data

This research investigates how China's carbon reduction initiatives relate to renewable energy technological innovation (RETI) while focusing on protection policies for intellectual property rights (IPR). The analysis utilizes 30 Chinese provincial data points from 2014 through 2023 to determine IPR protection's influence on RETI carbon emission reduction effectiveness. The research shows that RETI functions as an essential tool for carbon emission reduction but has varied effectiveness depending on different renewable energy technologies. The advancement of hydropower technology has revealed limited potential to reduce emissions. The study shows that stronger IPR protection mechanisms enhance RETI carbon reduction performance within eastern Chinese regions and areas with high energy independence. IPR's ability to reduce carbon emissions deteriorates in regions with elevated carbon emissions. The research study discovered no conclusive proof that more muscular IPR protection systems improve the impact of energy storage technology innovation on emission reduction. The findings demonstrate how intellectual property rights protection interacts with renewable energy technology innovation and carbon emissions reduction while providing essential guidance for policy decisions. The study indicates that China requires specialized IPR enforcement approaches and tailored renewable energy policies to advance sustainable energy development. • This research investigates how China’s carbon reduction policies link to renewable energy technological innovation (RETI) and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection across 30 provinces (2014-2023). • The study shows IPR protection enhances RETI’s carbon emission reduction effectiveness, especially in regions with high energy independence. • Hydropower innovation has limited emission reduction potential, and stronger IPR doesn’t improve energy storage technology’s impact on emissions. • Findings suggest China needs tailored IPR enforcement and specialized renewable energy policies for effective sustainable energy development.