Bibliometric Network Densification Patterns for Three Renewable Energy Technologies

The aim of this paper is to explore and illustrate a possible use of densification, a metric derived from network theory, to shed light into the evolution of three renewable energy technologies. The combination of the statistical analysis of publications (bibliometrics) and network analysis allows monitoring technological developments and can be used for the identification of emerging topics. Renewable energy has been addressed by the European Commission and in bibliometric studies e.g. On offshore wind energy, Tsai et al. (2016) identified technology development priorities, and Gao et al. (2016) reviewed worldwide progress of wind power prices. On solar photovoltaics, thermodynamics fundamentally limit efficiency, and there is much research on alternative approaches to improving efficiency and/or production costs. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS, providing energy from deep fractured rocks) is an emerging technology requiring significant development to reach commercial readiness, with innovation so far limited by costs, exploration risks and technological improvement needs. Kacham et al. (2012) provide insights into technological developments and emerging trends.

BOELMAN Elisa;  TELSNIG Thomas;  SHORTALL Ruth;  BARDIZZA Giorgio;  VILLALBA PRADAS Anahi; 

2017-12-04

VP Institute

JRC106570