Mapping Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Research in Extended BRICS: A Bibliometric Approach with a Future Agenda

Green hydrogen has emerged as a critical pillar of sustainable energy transitions, with its potential as a carbon-free fuel to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors while bolstering energy security. This study examines the trajectory of green hydrogen and renewable energy research within extended BRICS nations (the five core BRICS plus recent entrants) using bibliometric analysis, aiming to map publication trends, thematic focus, and collaborative networks from 2005 to 2024. A comprehensive dataset of 292 publications (2005–2024) was retrieved from Scopus. These records were analyzed to evaluate research output growth, citation impact, leading journals, and international co-authorship patterns. The results reveal a rapidly growing body of literature with accelerating output in recent years and substantial citation impact (with an average of approximately 25 citations per article). China leads in both publication volume and influence, followed by India and Russia, attesting to robust national research initiatives. Approximately one-quarter of the studies involve international co-authorship, underlining active collaboration among these countries and beyond. These bibliometric insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders by highlighting core strengths (e.g., hydrogen production technologies) and pinpointing gaps where capacity-building is needed. This evidence-based understanding can inform strategic policy-making, foster technological innovation, and shape future research directions within these emerging economies. In conclusion, by mapping the green hydrogen research landscape of key emerging economies, this study provides a crucial foundation for accelerating green hydrogen innovation and reinforces the role of extended BRICS in the global clean energy transition.