Mapping the Nexus between Green Energy, Sustainable Development Goals, and Sustainable Economic Growth: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Abstract

The transition towards green energy has become increasingly important for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while supporting sustainable economic growth. However, the literature connecting these dimensions remains fragmented across energy, environmental, economic, and sustainability research. This study maps the global research landscape at the nexus of green energy, SDGs, and sustainable economic growth using bibliometric and thematic analysis. Bibliographic records were retrieved from Scopus using a structured TITLE-ABS-KEY search. Following relevance screening and data cleaning, 376 documents published between 2017 and 2026 were analysed using Biblioshiny, the web-based interface of the Bibliometrix package in R. The findings reveal rapid growth in scholarly output, particularly in recent years, indicating increasing academic interest in integrating energy transition with sustainability and economic development. Renewable energy emerged as a central concept alongside sustainable development, economic growth, green growth, the SDGs, and green finance. The thematic map identifies renewable energy, economic growth, and carbon emissions as the principal motor theme, while sustainable development, the SDGs, and green development constitute foundational themes. Thematic evolution demonstrates a progression from early emphasis on sustainable development, SDGs, and pollution towards a more diversified research structure incorporating renewable energy, economic growth, green economy, energy transition, environmental policy, and environmental technology. Overall, the study consolidates a fragmented knowledge base and highlights the increasing integration of clean-energy transformation, sustainability objectives, and economic development within the global research agenda.