The Role of Energy Intensity in the Asymmetric Impact of GDP on Energy Consumption in OPEC Countries

GDP is one of the factors affecting energy consumption and climate change. This study examines the impact of GDP on energy consumption in OPEC countries in two stages. In the first stage, based on the panel causality test, the causal relationship between GDP and energy consumption was investigated, and the results indicate a one-way causal relationship from GDP to energy consumption. In the second stage, using a dynamic panel threshold regression model, this study investigated the role of energy intensity (one of the important indicators of energy efficiency) in the relationship between energy consumption and the GDP of OPEC countries. The results showed that at values above the threshold level of energy intensity (7.27), GDP significantly increases energy consumption, while at values below this level, GDP has a positive and non-significant effect on energy consumption. Without considering the control variables, at values above the threshold level of energy intensity (6.91), GDP significantly increases energy consumption, while at values below this level, GDP has a negative and non-significant effect on energy consumption. In energy and environmental policy-making, paying attention to energy intensity can lead to sustainable economic growth. Also, the results of this study are related to the Kuznets Environmental Curve Hypothesis; at low-intensity energy levels, increased GDP does not necessarily lead to environmental damage.