Renewable energy research in ASEAN countries: bibliometric analysis of past, present and future trends

Renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goal 7 (SDG-7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of renewable energy research in ASEAN countries from 2000 to 2024, highlighting key trends, influential authors, leading research institutions and dominant sources of publication using Scopus database. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix are used to perform the analysis including the evolution of research topics, collaboration networks, the impact of scholarly contributions. The findings indicate a significant rise in publications in the region with Malaysia and Indonesia leading in total research output. However, the per capita productivity metric highlights Singapore and Brunei as the most research-productive nations in the region. Topics such as solar energy, biomass and wind energy emerge as the most studied topics reflecting regional priorities and resource availability. Moreover, the keyword analysis reveals a shift toward emerging technologies such as microgrids, energy storage and smart grids, signalling future research directions. The study underscores the growing emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency and policy frameworks necessary for advancing renewable energy adoption in ASEAN. In terms of publications source, there was a diverse range of journals and conference proceedings that serve as primary dissemination platforms for ASEAN-based renewable energy researchers. By mapping past and present research landscapes, this study provides insights for policymakers, researchers and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive the transition of the region towards a sustainable energy future in alignment with SDG-7.