Pata, U. K.Madureira, L.Fareed, Z.2024-09-182024-09-1820241735-14721735-2630https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-024-05629-1https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12483/9828In recent years, environmental destruction has become an obstacle for humanity. In this context, can renewable energy consumption and energy research and development (R&D) technologies be a solution to improve environmental quality? This study explores this research question using the load capacity curve (LCC), focusing on a comprehensive environmental indicator, the load capacity factor, for Portugal from 1980 to 2018. The study uses Fourier-ADL and various time series estimators. The results illustrate that the LCC hypothesis is invalid and that renewable energy and energy R&D technologies support the improvement of ecological quality. Given these convincing results, it is recommended that the Portuguese government prioritize the implementation of an environmental policy focused on investment in R&D, concentrating on the promising renewable energy sector.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessEnvironmental innovationLoad capacity factorRenewable energyR&D technologiesArticle10.1007/s13762-024-05629-12-s2.0-85191067642Q1WOS:001206251900002N/A