Energy decentralization scholarly development : a bibliometric study using Bibliometrix R Studio (1982-2024)

Energy decentralization has become an increasingly significant issue in recent years, while the world has searched for sustainable, resilient, and fair energy solutions. This study contributes to mapping the development and identifying the key underlying themes of energy decentralization by using a systematic bibliometric analysis of the scholarly literature. Based on 65 English-language publications from 1982 to 2024, this study uses the Scopus database to show how these have systemically evolved from broad concepts of decentralization and governance to focused discussions on energy decentralization, blockchain, and renewable energy integration. A trend in the research focus has been increasing interest in what digital technologies and policy frameworks mean for the future with regard to decentralized energy systems. It also established that there is a high degree of global collaboration in this area of research, although this is centered around the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis identifies established

motor themes related to blockchain and energy policy, specialized niche themes, and new areas of study. It contributes to an important overview of the state of the art on energy decentralization but equally puts forward some critical gaps and future directions, thereby offering valuable insight for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners concerned with the advancement of decentralized energy systems. [Publisher's text]