The road to sustainable development in cities: Can digital infrastructure improve energy efficiency?

Improving energy efficiency levels has become an essential aspect of achieving targets for energy conservation and emission reduction. Thus, investigating the impact of digital infrastructure on energy efficiency and its underlying mechanisms can provide valuable insights for sectors aiming to leverage digital advancements for enhancing energy efficiency. This study uses Python technology to measure China's level of digital infrastructure construction based on governmental reports and analyze the impact and mechanisms of digital infrastructure construction on urban green total factor energy efficiency. The findings reveal several significant points. Firstly, digital infrastructure significantly enhances urban energy efficiency, primarily through its application level, although its role in advancing technical levels requires further enhancement. However, the effect of digital infrastructure on urban energy efficiency varies considerably due to factors such as geographical location, city scale, and attributes. Secondly, a significant threshold effect of digital infrastructure on urban energy efficiency exists. Furthermore, digital infrastructure facilitates urban energy efficiency by promoting green technological innovation and optimizing industrial structures and resource allocation pathways. Lastly, from a governance perspective, digital infrastructure primarily enhances the efficiency of urban energy utilization through source governance approaches. Moreover, while digital infrastructure contributes to improving urban energy efficiency, it does not positively promote its convergence. These findings hold significant importance for policymakers and advocates involved in formulating effective measures to enhance energy efficiency.