Artificial intelligence (AI) has a strong spillover effect and acts as an essential propellant for advancements in technology and development. Using A-share listed enterprises between 2007 and 2022 as the sample, we assess the influence of AI on energy technology innovation (ETI). Our findings highlight that AI can promote ETI primarily by improving the human capital structure and encouraging enterprises to increase research and development (R&D) expenditure. This effect is more pronounced in enterprises with low-carbon transition strategy, those located in regions with abundant resource endowments, and those situated in clean energy base areas. Moreover, the study reveals that AI can positively affect ETI and contribute to enhanced enterprise environmental performance. The findings provide more thorough understanding of the critical role of AI in energy and innovation, offering practical recommendations for enterprises to leverage AI in boosting energy efficiency and lowering pollutant emissions, thereby aligning with as well as encouraging the attainment of carbon neutrality and peaking targets set by China.

中文翻译：

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探索人工智能作为能源技术创新催化剂的作用

人工智能 （AI） 具有很强的溢出效应，是技术进步和发展的重要推动剂。以 2007 年至 2022 年的 A 股上市公司为样本，我们评估了人工智能对能源技术创新 （ETI） 的影响。我们的研究结果强调，人工智能主要通过改善人力资本结构和鼓励企业增加研发 （R&D） 支出来促进 ETI。这种效应在低碳转型战略企业、资源禀赋丰富的地区企业以及清洁能源基地地区的企业中更为明显。此外，该研究表明，人工智能可以对 ETI 产生积极影响，并有助于提高企业环境绩效。研究结果让我们更全面地了解人工智能在能源和创新中的关键作用，为企业利用人工智能提高能源效率和降低污染物排放提供实用建议，从而与中方设定的碳中和和达峰目标保持一致并鼓励实现碳中和和达峰目标。