Does urbanization promote the rural residential energy transition? Evidence from China based on the two-stage dynamic Spatial Durbin model

Abstract

The transition to sustainable rural residential energy is a critical yet underexplored pathway to achieving sustainable development. This study advances an enhanced framework for understanding rural energy transitions, emphasizing the role of urbanization. Building on the energy ladder theory, we differentiate between renewable and non-renewable high-quality energy, while highlighting the role of primitive energy (PE) in rural energy structures. Using a two-stage dynamic Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), we capture spatial interactions and provide precise insights into the impact of urbanization on rural residential energy transition. The results reveal that urbanization significantly accelerates the adoption of sustainable energy, particularly by promoting the adoption of renewable high-quality energy (RQE) in neighboring regions through spatial spillover effects. Regional heterogeneity is evident: urbanization promotes RQE adoption in eastern regions, while in central and western regions, it facilitates the shift from PE to transitional energy (TrE). These effects are most pronounced during the new-type urbanization stage, underscoring the strong linkage between sustainable urban growth and green energy practices. Mechanism analysis identifies both direct and chain mediation pathways, primarily by increasing rural household disposable income and enhancing infrastructure. Notably, infrastructure development exhibits stronger spatial spillover effects than income growth. These findings underscore the importance of regionally tailored energy policies and collaborative infrastructure strategies that harness urbanization-driven energy transitions to enhance rural sustainability.