The urgent global transition to clean energy, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, highlights ocean wave energy as a promising yet underutilized renewable resource. This study presents a bibliometric-based review of global research trends, challenges, and sustainability opportunities of ocean wave-based renewable energy systems. Results show a significant increase in publications from 2000 to 2023, with the United States, China, and the United Kingdom leading contributions. Research themes have evolved from general technical issues to multidisciplinary studies addressing technology, environmental impact, and policy. Dominant topics include wave energy converters, sustainable development, and integration with climate action strategies. The most cited works emphasize technological innovation, hybrid systems, and socio-economic frameworks. In terms of SDGs, wave energy research strongly aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), while also contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Hidaayatullaah et al. (Thu,) studied this question.