Energy transition research: A bibliometric mapping of current findings and direction for future research

Abstract

Energy transition refers to the movement from fossil-based energy systems like coal, oil, and natural gas to renewable-based systems like solar, wind, biofuel, and hydrogen. The recent shockwaves from the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict have made nations rethink their energy transition strategies. For various governments to encourage carbon neutrality, there is a dire necessity for widespread research on the expansion of greener energy sources. This bibliometric review sheds light on the significant contributions in the field of energy transition research in the past four decades and suggests future research roadmaps. By compiling a map of scholarly publications on energy transition, this study uses the PRISMA technique and bibliometric software like VOS-viewer, cite-space, and R-Biblioshiny to map the research findings of scholarly publications listed in Scopus and Web of Science during 1981–2021. Our analysis shows that aspects like climate change, alternative energy, governance approach, and emission reduction are increasingly important. Further, areas that require future research include developing policy frameworks, energy infrastructure (storage and transfer), renewable energy ecosystem, clean energy economic analysis, and impact assessment for timely energy transition across the globe. Therefore, collaboration among nations and research institutions should be advanced with a particular focus on clean technology development and knowledge transfer for rapid energy transition across continents.