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Efficiency of R&D&I Investment in Energy Technology in Spain

Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos(1), Tuany Esthefany Barcellos de Carvalho Silva(2) and Reinaldo Castro Souza(2)

1. State University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Economics São Francisco Xavier, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

2. Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Industrial Engineering R. Marquês de São Vicente, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

2026-01-20

The growing concern over climate change has propelled the urgent need for technological innovation in clean energies, investing in Research and Development (R&D&I), a fundamental pillar for the global energy transition. This study focused on Spain, an active Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member, to examine and discuss the relationships between carbon dioxide emissions, renewable energy generation, R&D&I investment, and GDP. Through data analysis, economic and environmental trends were highlighted, and the interaction between variables in the context of sustainability policies was explored. The results indicated a negative relationship between the increase in renewable energy generation and emissions, in line with international efforts to mitigate climate change. The robust statistical analysis provides insights into the effectiveness of Spain's energy and environmental policies and suggests a continuous trajectory of emissions reduction. This study modeled and discussed the importance of ongoing investment in R&D&I and implementing policies that reinforce the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable Spanish energy system.

Key words: Renewable Energy, CO2 Emissions, R&D&I Investment, Econometric Modeling, Energy Policy.

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