Investigating the unparalleled effects of economic growth and high-quality economic development on energy insecurity in China: A provincial perspective

China has changed its focus from traditional high-speed economic growth to high-quality economic development (HQED) and the implementation of environmentally friendly practices. This transition can have parallel or unparallel impacts on energy insecurity (EIS). In this regards, HQED, inter Alia, is crucial in mitigating EIS and combating the energy crisis. Our study explores the impact of economic growth (EG) and HQED on EIS using the provincial panel data of China for the period 2011–2017. From the perspective of comparative analysis, the results reveal that HQED reduces EIS while EG increases it. The robustness checks indicate that industrial structure (IS) has a negative impact on EIS, whereas industrial structure upgrading (ISU) and green innovation (GI) have a positive influence. This implies that IS contributes to an increase in EIS, whereas ISU and GI result in a decrease in EIS. In addition, the analysis reveals that digital financial inclusion (DFI) exhibits a significant positive relation with EIS, albeit occasionally a negative but insignificant link. The policy implication is that the government should stimulate policies to promote HQED which reduces the EIS.