Scientific Mapping of Renewable Energy in Rural Areas: A Bibliometric Analysis

This bibliometric study examines the research landscape on renewable energy in rural areas, analyzing publication trends, key contributors, thematic clusters, and emerging research directions from 1979-2025. Utilizing the Scopus database, VOSviewer, and R software's Bibliometrix package, this paper applies the PRISMA methodology to analyze 3,332 peer-reviewed publications. Findings revealed a consistent annual growth in research and considerable academic influence. India dominates global contributions, followed by China, the United States, and European countries, with institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, North China Electric Power University, and Tsinghua University playing leading roles. Thematic analysis points to three dominant research clusters: climate change and biomass, rural energy access and electrification, and solar power and hybrid systems, evidencing an interdisciplinary effort with visions of technology, economics, and policy. New research areas such as hybrid renewable energy systems, digital infrastructure, and decentralized energy alternatives speak to increased interest in scalable and sustainable options for rural communities. Collaboration networks exhibit established research centers, but there are opportunities for further interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration development, especially in developing countries. These results strongly impact policymakers, academics, and the industry in demanding a joined-up approach toward deepening rural electrification and boosting global energy transition objectives.