Evolution of Renewable Energy Investments: A Scientometric Analysis

Scientists from Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates have examined the trajectory of renewable energy investments over the past two decades, revealing significant progress, but also persistent investment gaps and geographical disparities. The study employed a scientometric analysis of 20,141 documents from the Scopus database, refining the dataset to 15,298 relevant publications. The research explored the dynamics of renewable energy investment research, offering insights into policy-relevant factors, investment evaluation techniques, and emerging economic and investment trends. The study's findings aim to inform effective policy-making and strategic planning in the renewable energy sector.

Key Takeaways:

• The study analyzed 20,141 documents from the Scopus database, with 15,298 relevant publications being the final dataset, providing a comprehensive overview of renewable energy investment research from 2000 to 2024.
• The research employed the PRISMA methodology, using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix for visualization and analytical mapping, enabling the examination of research patterns, thematic developments, and scholarly networks within the field.
• The content analysis revealed key insights into policy-relevant factors, investment evaluation techniques, the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs), and emerging economic and investment trends in renewable energy investments.
• The study makes a valuable contribution to the existing literature by serving as a reference point for understanding current trends and developments in renewable energy investment, while also offering insights into future research directions in the field.
• The analysis explored the global perspective on strategies, policy instruments, and regulatory frameworks across different regions, highlighting geographical disparities in renewable energy investments.
• The researchers employed a scientometric analysis to assess the evolution and trajectory of research in the field of renewable energy investments, aiming to inform effective policy-making and strategic planning.

Statistics:

• 20,141 documents were retrieved from the Scopus database as part of the initial dataset.
• 15,298 relevant publications were the final dataset, after employing the PRISMA methodology and refinements.
• The study examined research patterns, thematic developments, and scholarly networks within the field using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix.
• The content analysis yielded key insights into policy-relevant factors, investment evaluation techniques, the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs), and emerging economic and investment trends.
• The study serves as a reference point for understanding current trends and developments in renewable energy investment.

Sources:

• Changing dynamics of renewable energy investments ecosystem: A scientometrics analysis, Innovation and Green Development, 2025, 4(4):100279.
• https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.igd.2025.100279.
• Ecology, Environment & Conservation, September 5, 2025; p 850.