Integrating Renewable Energy, Institutional Empowerment, Post-Harvest Efficiency in Sustainable Blue Economy Models

This study explores how the integration of renewable energy, institutional empowerment, and post-harvest efficiency can enhance sustainable blue economy models. A mixed-method design combines quantitative and qualitative data from coastal fisheries to examine the relationships between energy access, institutional strength, and operational efficiency. The results show that working capital, cooperative governance, and solar-based electrification improve fisheries productivity, while greater post-harvest losses reduce both efficiency and sustainability outcomes. Communities adopting renewable energy and participatory institutions achieve higher income growth, stronger resource resilience, and broader social inclusion. The findings emphasize that technological innovation must operate alongside institutional capacity and equitable management systems. By introducing post-harvest loss as a measurable indicator of efficiency, this research expands the analytical framework of the blue economy and offers a replicable model for sustainable coastal development aligned with global sustainability goals.