Do AI strategies affect green total factor productivity among energy enterprises?

This study aims to explore the impact of energy enterprises’ implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) strategies on green total factor productivity (GTFP) and analyze their influencing mechanism and heterogeneity. By constructing a fixed-effects model and using A-share listed energy enterprises from 2013 to 2023, this study draws the following conclusions. The benchmark regression shows that AI promotes GTFP, and the results remain valid after endogeneity and robustness tests. The advancement of green technology innovation and the alleviation of financing constraints mediate the effect of AI on GTFP. Heterogeneity tests indicate that state-owned enterprises, enterprises with high levels of digital infrastructure, and new energy enterprises significantly benefit from the positive effect of AI on GTFP. This study contributes by breaking the traditional application framework of corporate strategy theory by focusing on industry structure and integrating it into the emerging field of AI technology. By analyzing the role of AI in enabling energy enterprises to gain competitive advantage and cost-effectiveness, this study reveals a new path for intelligence-driven strategic planning to enhance GTFP. These findings have practical significance for the green transition of energy enterprises in the digital era.