Liquefied Natural Gas Economic Impacts on Green Supply Chains: A Bibliometric Review of Energy Journals and Towards a Green Economy

Abstract

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has emerged as a key transitional fuel supporting the global shift toward a low-carbon energy system. However, research on the economic role of LNG within green supply chains remains fragmented and lacks a coherent knowledge structure. This study aims to systematically map the intellectual landscape of LNG research and identify key economic and sustainability themes. Using a bibliometric analysis of 246 Scopus-indexed articles published between 1983 and 2025, the study applies keyword co-occurrence and co-authorship analyses to examine the evolution and structure of the field. The results identify six interconnected research clusters shaping contemporary LNG research: (i) economic feasibility and cost-effectiveness across energy supply chains; (ii) carbon emissions mitigation and decarbonisation, emphasizing CO2 reduction and techno- economic evaluation; (iii) environmental impacts and sustainability assessment; (iv) energy efficiency and thermodynamic performance; (v) liquefaction process optimization and cold energy utilization; and (vi) infrastructure development and investment perspectives. Overall, the findings indicate that LNG research in energy journals is primarily driven by economic analysis. Environmental and technological dimensions act as complementary mechanisms. This study provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers by clarifying the economic role of LNG in supporting sustainable and resilient energy transition pathways. It also suggests future research directions for developing a sustainable and environmentally responsible LNG supply chain.