The impact of energy security on energy efficiency: based on the moderating effect of government intervention

Energy security (ES) is the cornerstone of a stable and efficient economic operation. Its coordination with energy efficiency (EE) is the key to solving the contradictions in the current "energy-environment-economy" system. Based on this, this paper utilizes China's provincial panel data from 2000 to 2022 to systematically evaluate the effects of ES and government intervention on EE and to identify the regulatory mechanism between the two. The study found a significant negative correlation between ES and EE, indicating that under certain conditions, improving ES may hinder efficiency growth. Government intervention plays a significant buffering role in this process, helping to achieve the coordination of ES and EE. Mechanism analysis reveals that ES indirectly hinders EE through the solidification of industrial structures and the crowding-out effect of green technology innovation. Heterogeneity analysis further reveals that the adverse effect of ES is relatively weak in the eastern region, where an optimized energy structure and improved institutional environment are present.In contrast, the central and western regions, as well as resource-rich regions, are constrained by resource dependence and path dependence, resulting in more significant efficiency inhibition. However, government intervention can effectively alleviate this adverse effect. This study provides theoretical support and policy inspiration for transforming ES into a positive force that promotes sustainable economic development through government intervention tailored to local conditions, as well as for developing economies to coordinate security and efficiency goals during the energy transformation process.