Mainstreaming renewable energy is key in ensuring sustainable access to clean and affordable energy. An update report on Sustainable Development Goal 7 reveals that countries are advancing towards sustainable energy targets and sets out that over 660 million households lack electricity and forecasts that over 2 billion people will still rely on polluting fuels by 2030 (United Nations, 2023). As such, it is prudent for developing economies to refocus their growth aspirations and energy generation plans to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. One would wonder if moving to renewable energy reduces the growth potential of developing countries, given the huge capital commitments in setting up and maintaining renewable energy plants. Similarly, one may ask, what is the association between fossil fuels usage and growth in developing countries?