The Moderating Role of Infrastructure Development in the Relationship Between Women's Empowerment and Energy Poverty Reduction in Rural India

ABSTRACT Energy poverty continues to be a significant challenge in rural areas, presenting significant health risks and environmental damage despite sustained international and national interventions. Women's empowerment (WE) is increasingly recognised as a catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, yet its potential is often constrained by inadequate rural infrastructure. This study examines the moderating role of infrastructure development (ID) in the relationship between WE and multidimensional energy poverty (MEP), using survey data from 467 rural households in India. WE and MEP are measured using the counting approach, and an instrumental variable (IV) technique is applied to address endogeneity. The analysis is complemented by propensity score matching (PSM) and interaction term modelling to assess the direct and moderating effects of ID. Results indicate that WE significantly reduces MEP and ID amplifies this effect by enhancing women's agency and accelerating household energy transitions. These findings underscore the importance of gender‐responsive infrastructure and targeted rural development policies to advance sustainable energy access.