How can blockchain be integrated into renewable energy? --A bibliometric-based analysis

Blockchain technology and renewable energy links can realize the fusion of energy flow and information flow. The combination of the two has a high degree of matching, and the related research is also increasing. Although experts have expanded their research on renewable energy and blockchain, there are still restrictions and gaps in the existing research. In this paper, 920 articles from 2016 to 2023 were chosen and visualized using bibliometrics and CiteSpace software to analyze the research field's development base, collaborative groups, hot topics and evolutionary trends. Based on the foregoing research, we summarized the pertinent literature in the area of “Renewable energy & Blockchain” and thoroughly analyzed the current hot issues in depth to determine the future development direction. The findings show that, first, related research in the field increased rapidly in 2016–2023, the research topics and hotspots of “Renewable energy & Blockchain” focus on energy system optimization, clean energy technologies, circular development and renewable energy trading. Second, all subjects have a specific strength and influence contribution in the field, from the micro to the macro level. Among them, China, the United States and their universities have relatively mature research experience and research ability. Third, research gaps in blockchain-based renewable energy application, technology, and policy, as well as potential trends in energy internet, energy management, energy systems, green certificate trading, and green power trading. This study provides researchers with a theoretical foundation for gaining a thorough understanding of current research efforts and future research directions in this field.