Ebrahim Heidari

Background: The role and importance of energy in economic growth and development cannot be ignored. This issue causes the impact of new technologies on energy intensity to be discussed. Objective Due to the limitation of available resources and the significant role and importance of energy in the economic growth and development of countries, determining the factors affecting energy intensity is of particular importance. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the impact of financial development, trade openness, technological innovation, population and economic growth on energy intensity in OPEC member countries. Methodology: To carry out this research, time series data during the period of 2008 to 2019 have been used on an annual basis using the spatial panel method. Findings: According to the results of direct and indirect effects (total and final effect), it can be said that if financial development, trade openness and population increase in the studied countries, the energy intensity of the countries will also increase. It can also be said that if technological innovation and economic growth increase in the studied countries, the energy intensity of the countries will decrease. Conclusion: This research provided information about the effect of some factors on energy intensity, which fluctuates depending on the current state of consumption and is limited by time. This information helps policymakers understand the impact of these factors on energy intensity, thereby enabling them to adopt policies that increase sustainable energy consumption.