The objective of this study is to examine the relationship among different sources of renewable energy, role of technology, environment protection and economic growth. This study uses panel annual data set of selected BRICS countries from 1997 to 2019. This study uses the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator, a second-generation estimator that takes slope homogeneity and cross-sectional dependence into consideration. For robustness, the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator has also been utilized. The findings show that the use of renewable energy will rise as income inequality declines. The results of the analysis demonstrate a one-way causal association between income inequality and REC. This finding confirms that a reduction in income inequality will have a major impact on the adoption of renewable energy sources. •The significant long-run relationship exists between CO2 and REC.•There is bi-directional causality between income inequality and REC.•Results show that renewable energy consumption parameters in different ways.