Private climate investment, coal transition and digitalization in the major coal-consuming countries

This paper examines the relationship between private investment, digitalization, and coal rent in major coal-consuming countries from 1999 to 2019. Using the CS-FMOLS technique, the results show that a 1% increase in the ICT Development Index raises coal rent by 0.24%, underscoring digitalization's role in enhancing coal industry profitability. Conversely, a 1% increase in private participation in infrastructure reduces coal rent by 0.35%, as private investments focus on sustainable energy. The study concludes that while private investment supports clean energy, digitalization extends coal reliance. To support coal transition, policies should promote green ICT production, renewable energy, green finance, and good governance in sustainable projects.