Renewable energy investment in the economic viability of SIDS: a bibliometric analysis aligned UN-SDG 7.b

Purpose This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of affordable and clean energy literature. The push for sustainable energy has intensified global focus on renewable investment in vulnerable regions like small island developing states (SIDS). Despite the growing academic interest in UN sustainable development goal (SDG) 7 - “affordable and clean energy”, there remains a lack of comprehensive science mapping that evaluates the intellectual structure, research evolution and thematic trends specifically aligned with UN SDG 7, and more precisely, Target 7.b. Design/methodology/approach This study addresses this gap through rigorous bibliometric analysis of 5,242 peer-reviewed journal articles from Scopus using a meticulously constructed search protocol on renewable energy, economic viability and infrastructural development in SIDS. Biblioshiny (R package) and VOSviewer performed performance analysis, co-occurrence mapping and thematic clustering. Findings There were four key research clusters: (1) advanced renewable energy conversion technologies and efficiency innovations; (2) environmental and socio-ecological contexts of renewable energy deployment; (3) socio-technical governance and community acceptance in renewable energy transitions; and (4) economic structures, financial mechanisms and urban planning for renewable integration. Originality/value This study offers an overview of knowledge domains and provides targeted directions for future research. These insights have implications for researchers, policymakers and stakeholders aiming to advance energy resilience and investment in SIDS to achieve the UN SDG 7 and Target 7.b.