Energy eco-efficiency: Is there any spatial correlation between different regions?

This study explores a spatial correlation network of regional energy eco-efficiency to examine the existence of such a correlation from the new perspective of networking. Firstly, by utilizing the panel data of 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province from 2008 to 2017, a super efficiency Slack Based Model (SBM) was developed to calculate the energy eco-efficiency of 13 cities. Then, the spatial correlation network and its characteristics of energy eco-efficiency between prefecture-level cities are elaborated by using Vector Autoregression (VAR) granger causality test and social network analyses. The results show that: 1) there is spatial heterogeneity of energy eco-efficiency for the study period, and the gap in the South of the province and the Central and North is widening. 2) The spatial correlation network of energy eco-efficiency is unevenly distributed, only Nanjing is at the center of the network. 3) The energy eco-efficiency can be divided into four plates, but the spillover effect between plates is relatively low. The study confirms that there is a significant spatial correlation network of regional energy eco-efficiency. To boost the energy eco-efficiency in the whole region, it is necessary not only to specifically strengthen the export of technology and experience from advanced regions, but also to fully understand the role and maximize the advantages of each plate.