Systematic evaluation and review of Germany renewable energy research: A bibliometric study from 2008 to 2023

Abstract

Research purpose: This study aims to outline the fundamental status of the German academic community's research in the field of renewable energy and to foster collaboration between China and Germany in this area. Research methods: This study examines documents published by German scholars from 2008 to 2023, which are part of the “Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection” database and related to renewable energy issues, using the bibliometric visualization tool CiteSpace 6.2.R6. Research conclusions: The study examines the co-occurrence and burst of keywords, changes in publication volume, international collaboration networks, research institution collaboration networks, and researcher collaboration networks. It concluded that: (1) German academic research in the field of renewable energy can be divided into three phases: nascent (2008–2014), surge (2015–2021), and decline (2022–2023). (2) The Helmholtz Association and Reinhard Madlener, among other prominent institutions and academicians, are responsible for the close cooperation among personnel and institutions, the significant leading effect, and the emphasis on cutting-edge topics. Research in this field notably focuses on cutting-edge issues like life cycle assessment and developing countries. The study observes a transition in research concentration from macro to micro perspectives. In the context of a global collective response to climate change, the analysis of the German academic community’s overall situation will enhance the collaboration between the two countries in the field of renewable energy research.

Keywords

• Germany
• Renewable energy
• CiteSpace
• New energy
• Visualization map
• Bibliometric analysis