Towards a Greener Future: Analyzing the Trends and Influences in Sustainable Energy Literature

Abstract

The growth in sustainable energy relies significantly on the utilization of clean energy sources, attracting increasing attention in the literature with substantial growth in research outputs. This study employs bibliometric analysis via Scopus to depict the current cleaner energy research landscape and future directions. It amalgamates trends and influential research at the sustainability-renewable energy intersection. By mapping notable authors, institutions, and research clusters, it highlights interdisciplinary aspects across engineering, environmental science, economics, and policy studies. The journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is pivotal in publishing articles on sustainable development and renewable energy. China leads in related research, with North China Electric Power University as a major contributor. The most cited article in Nature (2012) underscores the importance of sustainable energy for global prosperity, exploring solar, water-based, and biofuel energy, and outlining pathways for a sustainable future. This research not only reviews the current state-of-the-art literature but also informs researchers regarding the critical pathways and emerging trends in the sustainable development goals.