Renewable energy research networks in cities: A macro-analysis of BIPV and integrated photovoltaic systems

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Tabriz University

2 Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning Department and Director of the Environmental and Sustainable Urban Development Research Laboratory, Tabriz University

3 Tabriz university

10.22034/gp.2026.69168.3452

Abstract

Objective:

Urbanization and the rising demand for energy have positioned urban renewable energy as a central theme in global scientific research. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive scientometric analysis of research on urban renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar technologies and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), spanning the years 2000 to 2025. The goal is to identify dominant research themes, key contributors, emerging trends, and gaps in the literature, particularly in the context of developing countries such as Iran.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the Web of Science database and analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.20 to visualize keyword co-occurrence, author collaboration networks, and institutional contributions. The scientometric approach enabled the mapping of global research production and collaboration patterns over the specified period.

Results:The analysis revealed that dominant research themes include sustainability, solar energy, BIPV systems, energy policy, green urbanism, and climate change mitigation. In Iran, there is additional focus on energy infrastructure resilience, optimization of building energy consumption, and strategic urban energy planning. The study also identified key contributors, mapped the global flow of knowledge, and highlighted gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as underrepresented topics such as socio-cultural dimensions of energy transition and localized policy frameworks.

Conclusions:

By synthesizing these findings, the study provides a roadmap for future research directions and policy development aimed at enhancing urban energy resilience and sustainability. The proposed framework can assist researchers, planners, and policymakers in aligning scientific inquiry with practical urban energy challenges, particularly in semi-arid and rapidly urbanizing regions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Geography and Planning

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 January 2026

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics