The role of market-oriented institutions in the deployment of renewable energies: evidences from Europe

Focusing on European countries, this article investigates the link between market-oriented institutions, as measured by the Economic Freedom Index, and the production of energy from renewable sources. A dynamic panel approach shows that this correlation is positive and significant while the subcomponents of the Economic Freedom Index reveal that not all market-oriented institutions have a similar impact. Indeed, long-term price stability and freedom to trade boost the reliance on renewable energies whereas the importance given to markets rather than governments has no significant impact.