Scientometric mapping of global research trends in renewable energy consumption and economic growth

The growing emphasis on sustainable development has intensified scholarly interest in understanding the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. While extensive empirical research exists, the intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and collaborative dynamics of this research domain remain fragmented. To address this gap, this study conducts a comprehensive scientometric analysis of global research on renewable energy consumption and economic growth using bibliographic data retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases covering the period 2005–2024. A total of 2,548 publications were analyzed using Biblioshiny (R package: bibliometrix) and VOSviewer, applying classical scientometric laws (Bradford’s, Lotka’s, and Zipf’s) alongside science-mapping techniques. The findings reveal a sharp acceleration in research output after 2015, coinciding with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, with China emerging as the dominant contributor and a central hub of international collaboration. The analysis further identifies leading journals, highly cited publications, and a core group of prolific authors that shape the knowledge base of this field. The analysis further indicates a highly dispersed and interdisciplinary knowledge structure, reflected in a high Bradford multiplier, suggesting wide journal dispersion, alongside a concentrated core of prolific authors and evolving thematic patterns. By integrating the Theory–Context–Characteristics–Methodology (TCCM) framework, the study advances beyond descriptive mapping to provide a structured interpretation of theoretical foundations, methodological trends, and policy-relevant research gaps. The results offer valuable insights for researchers and policymakers by identifying underexplored regions, emerging themes, and opportunities for more integrative and impact-oriented research on renewable energy–led economic growth.