Analysis of spatial correlation network and influencing factors of green energy efficiency in urban agglomerations

Exploring the spatial correlation characteristics of urban green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) is of great significance to promote the green and low-carbon energy transformation among cities and realize the integrated and coordinated development of green energy. Taking the urban agglomeration of the central area of the Yangtze River Delta as the research object, the Super-SBM model is used to estimate the urban GTFEE from 2006 to 2022, and exploratory spatio-temporal data analysis is used to explore its spatial pattern. Meanwhile, social network analysis (SNA) and quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) method are used to explore the spatial correlation network characteristics and influencing factors of GTFEE. The results show that: (1) The GTFEE of the urban agglomeration in the central area of the Yangtze River Delta shows a downward trend and there is a strong imbalance and heterogeneity in space. (2) In the GTFEE spatial correlation network, the northern urban agglomeration in the central area of the Yangtze River Delta occupies a core position, forming a multi-level composite network system. Provincial capitals and large industrial cities have long been at the center of the network, playing a significant intermediary role. (3) Through the QAP method, it can be seen that green technology innovation, environmental regulation and spatial proximity have significant positive effects on GTFEE network connection strength. Combined with the spatial structure characteristics, clustering characteristics and driving factors of GTFEE network, it can effectively reflect the synergistic development potential of urban green energy, and provide reference for the international community to formulate and implement regional green energy development strategies and policies.