Mapping the Intellectual Structure of Green Bonds Research in Clean Energy Transition

Abstract

Purpose: Green bonds are designed to provide financial resources for deploying affordable and economically viable carbon-friendly energy infrastructures. This paper discusses the research trends, current practices, and future research implications of green bonds in the clean energy transition.

Methods: This study extracted scholarly articles from the Scopus database and used bibliographic analysis to uncover publication trends, research affiliations, geographical contexts, thematic trends, and bibliographic coupling, along with a narrative literature review to assess current practices and pinpoint future research directions for the widespread adoption of clean energy.

Results: Developing countries, particularly those in Asia, have a strong research portfolio on financing the energy transition through green bonds. However, financial markets in developing countries are weak and unorganized, hindering the growth of energy-efficient projects. Policy development, focusing on building energy infrastructure, standard reporting frameworks, stringent regulations, and prioritizing investor confidence, is essential for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Implications: Researchers, regulators, and policymakers can make use of the results of the research questions to develop a unique framework regarding the strategic thinking and actionable development plan of green bonds for any positive impact on energy efficiency

Originality: This study employed a systematic, quantitative, and qualitative approach to answer the research questions. The quantitative approach examines the critical areas researchers need to address to support the energy transition through green bond financing. The qualitative approach evaluates the current green bond infrastructure and explores future directions for successfully implementing a renewable energy strategy.