Energy uncertainty and its heterogeneous impacts on nuclear energy production and hydrogen technology

Energy uncertainty has emerged as a key factor influencing the transition toward clean and sustainable energy systems. Indeed, the uninterrupted and clean supply of energy is crucial for the sustainable development of the globe. Both nuclear and hydrogen energy can replace carbon-intensive fossil fuels, but the literature on how energy uncertainty shapes their development is limited. This analysis aims to fill this gap by examining the influence of energy uncertainty on nuclear energy production and hydrogen energy technology using the novel method of the moments quantile regression (MMQR). The results indicate that energy uncertainty adversely affects nuclear energy production from lower-medium to the highest levels, indicating its constraining effect at most levels. On the other hand, energy uncertainty promotes hydrogen technology from the lower to the middle quantiles, suggesting its role in encouraging innovation in emerging energy systems. In addition, financial development and research and development expenditures are vital determinants of both nuclear energy production and hydrogen energy technology. Lastly, stringent environmental policies enhance nuclear energy production and hydrogen energy technology at most levels. Policymakers should integrate nuclear and hydrogen energy strategies within broader energy policy frameworks to ensure a stable and sustainable energy transition under uncertainty.