Energy Efficiency and Economic Development

Energy efficiency is central to sustainable economic development. As countries seek to expand industrial output, improve living standards, and strengthen energy security, the need to reduce energy intensity has become more urgent. Efficient energy use can lower production costs, reduce pressure on energy infrastructure, support competitiveness, and help meet climate and sustainability targets. At the same time, the link between energy efficiency and economic development remains complex, shaped by policy design, technology adoption, financing, market structure, and regional development priorities.This Research Topic will explore how improvements in energy efficiency can support economic growth, productivity, and social welfare while reducing environmental impacts. It will bring together research on the role of energy-efficient technologies, policy frameworks, investment models, and behavioral change in driving sustainable development across sectors and regions. Particular attention will be given to how energy efficiency can contribute to resilient economic systems, especially in developing and emerging economies where demand for energy is rising quickly.The Topic aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for scholars, policymakers, industry experts, and development practitioners to examine the economic value of energy efficiency. Contributions may assess macroeconomic impacts, sector-specific gains, cost-benefit dynamics, barriers to implementation, and the role of public and private investment. The collection will also welcome studies that compare regional or national approaches, evaluate policy instruments, and identify pathways for aligning energy efficiency with inclusive and sustainable economic development.Areas within the scope of this collection include, but are not limited to:• The relationship between energy efficiency, productivity, and economic growth;• Energy intensity, industrial competitiveness, and structural transformation;• Energy efficiency policies in developed, emerging, and developing economies;• Financing mechanisms and investment models for energy-efficient technologies;• Cost-benefit analysis of energy efficiency measures across sectors;• Energy efficiency in industry, buildings, transport, and urban systems;• The role of digitalization, smart grids, and data-driven tools in improving energy performance;• Energy efficiency, energy security, and resilience to energy price shocks;• Social and distributional impacts of energy efficiency policies;• Links between energy efficiency, emissions reduction, public health, and sustainable development goals;• Barriers to adoption, including regulatory, financial, technical, and behavioral challenges;• Case studies on successful national, regional, or sectoral energy efficiency strategies.This Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Perspective, Policy and Practice Reviews, Policy Brief, and Brief Research Report articles that advance understanding of how energy efficiency can serve as a driver of economic development and long-term sustainability. Topic editors: Patrick Phelan, Ehab Mina Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83059/energy-efficiency-and-economic-development