THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ADVANCING AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY PATHWAYS TOWARD A GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

This study aims to (1) examine the effects of renewable energy utilization on economic development and poverty reduction in developing countries; (2) assess the role of renewable energy utilization in enhancing global competitiveness; and (3) analyze the structural relationships among renewable energy utilization, economic development, poverty reduction, global competitiveness, and the achievement of affordable and clean energy (SDG 7). A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population consisted of executives and public-sector employees working in renewable energy industry organizations that are legally registered as juristic persons and who are officially registered with the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand 505 respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique, which is considered appropriate and sufficient for structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The research instruments included a structured questionnaire in a Likert-scale format to measure renewable energy utilization, economic development, poverty reduction, global competitiveness, and the achievement of SDG 7. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with experts and stakeholders in the energy sector, economic development, and public policy to provide qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Qualitative data were examined through content analysis and triangulation to enhance the validity and depth of interpretation. The findings indicate that renewable energy utilization, economic development, and poverty reduction have statistically significant positive direct effects on both global competitiveness and the achievement of SDG 7. However, global competitiveness does not have a significant direct effect on the achievement of SDG 7, nor does it function as a mediating variable in these relationships. The qualitative findings support the quantitative results by emphasizing that achieving SDG 7 in developing countries requires direct policy interventions, investments in clean energy infrastructure, and socially inclusive measures rather than reliance on market-based competitiveness mechanisms alone.