On the causal dynamics between nuclear energy, renewable energy and economic growth in the selected South and Southeast Asia countries: evidence from RALS cointegration and bootstrap asymmetric causality

The global shift toward sustainable energy has intensified focus on nuclear and renewable energy as alternatives to fossil fuels. In South and Southeast Asia, where energy demand is rising alongside economic growth, understanding the dynamics between energy types and growth is crucial. This study investigates the causal relationships between nuclear energy consumption (NEC), renewable energy consumption (REC), and economic growth (EG) in five selected countries, namely India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The hypothesis is that NEC and REC exert asymmetric and country-specific effects on EG. Using annual data converted to quarterly frequency, we apply the Bootstrap-Kruse nonlinear unit root test, RALS cointegration methods, and the Hatemi-J asymmetric causality test. The results reveal long-run NEC–EG and REC–EG linkages in several countries, with significant differences in direction and magnitude. Asymmetric causality tests further confirm that positive and negative shocks affect variables differently. The findings highlight the need for tailored, country-specific energy policies to balance growth with sustainability.