Accelerating the diffusion of renewable energy requires clear evidence on which determinants enable or hinder deployment across contexts. This study aims to identify the most frequently discussed contemporary determinants of renewable energy deployment. To this end, we conduct a PRISMA-guided systematic review within the SALSA framework, complemented by VOSviewer bibliometric mapping, synthesizing 110 peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025. We group the most frequently examined determinants into eight domains (economic, environmental, energy, political, regulatory, regional, technological, and social) and summarize the prevalent direction of effect reported in the literature. Economic conditions (e.g., economic growth, financial development, green finance, and trade) and policy/regulation (e.g., institutional quality, instrument stringency, and feed-in and net-billing schemes) emerge as pivotal. Environmental co-benefits (emissions reduction and air quality improvements) and energy system factors (security and energy poverty) are influential, with context-dependent roles for fossil fuel prices and consumption. Regional context (e.g., geopolitical risk) and technological progress (eco-innovation, storage, and grid integration) shape outcomes, while public acceptance, awareness, perceived benefits/costs, and demographics condition uptake. We also document contradictory findings (e.g., foreign direct investment and oil price effects) and gaps (especially social/demographic determinants and causal evaluation of specific policies). Overall, the review offers a coherent synthesis of evidence and an actionable framework of determinants to inform policy design and investment targeting for large-scale diffusion of renewable energy technologies.

The object of the research is the alignment of innovative energy technologies with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which pertains to sustainable consumption and production. The problem to be solved – there is an ambiguity regarding how these technologies contribute to SDG 12. This study aims to conduct a strategic analysis of external factors influencing innovative energy technologies from the perspective of SDG 12. The results show that innovative energy technologies, like bioenergy, geothermal energy, solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and ocean energy, enhance energy efficiency, cut emissions, and reduce waste and toxins. These technologies align with SDG 12 and are shaped by various legislations. They intersect with the shift from fossil fuels, requiring analysis in the context of other UN SDGs. Legal frameworks must adapt to innovative energy technologies. The findings highlight that innovative energy technologies support SDG 12 by ensuring energy efficiency and reducing emissions. These technologies address economic and environmental challenges, promote sustainable progress and economic growth, enhance business competitiveness, stabilize prices, diversify energy sources, ensure national energy security and reduce energy poverty. The scope and conditions for practical application of the results of this research provide valuable insights for the scientific community, energy companies, policymakers, and investors in the energy sector. They can be used to inform decisions and strategies aimed at aligning energy technologies with the objectives of SDG 12. However, the implementation and effectiveness of these technologies also depend on regulatory support, industry collaboration, and public acceptance of new energy solutions.

Traditional transportation systems are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental footprint, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. Recent developments in renewable energy technologies have paved the way for Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Biofuels, Solar-Powered Vehicles, and Hybrid Systems, all of which offer environmentally-friendly solutions. However, the successful integration of these technologies into existing transport systems presents challenges such as infrastructure development, policymaking, public perception, and societal acceptance. Sustainable transportation encompasses more than technology and economics. It addresses societal inclusivity, environmental conservation, and long-term viability. Social equality ensures equitable access to transport, economic considerations highlight short-term costs and long-term benefits, and health and well-being are affected by sustainable transportation patterns. Community engagement, though challenging, is essential to craft locally tailored solutions and foster a collective sense of ownership. These facets form the foundation for a greener, healthier, and more inclusive transport system. The global shift towards renewable transport technologies is multifaceted, integrating political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal dimensions. Using the PESTEL method, the complex transition towards renewable transport technologies can be understood, especially in contexts like Ukraine. Given its unique socio-political landscape, Ukraine's move towards sustainable transport is influenced by multiple factors, including international climate agreements, economic restructuring, public perception, and technological advancements. Ukraine's transport sector, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, has the potential to transform using its abundant renewable resources. Tapping into these resources can offer numerous benefits, though technological and infrastructural challenges persist. Strategic investments and embracing renewable technologies are key for Ukraine to build a sustainable transport and societal framework.

The deployment of solar and other renewable energy technologies (RETs) plays a central role in the global energy transition and the pursuit of sustainable development. Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these technologies generate far-reaching societal co-benefits that shape environmental quality, social equity, and economic growth. This study systematically reviews peer-reviewed literature published between 2009 and 2025 to identify, integrate, and assess empirical evidence on how RET deployment contributes to societal welfare. Following the SALSA framework and PRISMA guidelines, 147 studies were selected from Scopus and Web of Science. The evidence reveals a consistent welfare triad: environmental gains (emission and pollution reduction, climate mitigation), social gains (improved health, affordability, energy security, and inclusion), and economic gains (employment and income growth, local development). These benefits are, however, heterogeneous and depend on enabling conditions such as policy stability, financial development, grid integration, innovation capacity, and social acceptance. The review highlights that solar energy, in particular, acts as both an environmental and social catalyst in advancing sustainable welfare outcomes. The findings provide a comprehensive basis for policymakers and researchers seeking to design equitable and welfare-enhancing renewable energy transitions.

Given global efforts to promote sustainable energy transitions, this study investigates how the deployment of renewable energy technologies (RETs) relates to multidimensional societal welfare and provides empirical evidence on these linkages in Lithuania. The purpose of the study is to provide an integrated, Lithuania-specific assessment of how economic, social, and environmental determinants associated with RET deployment are related to multiple dimensions of societal welfare. Drawing on scientific literature, an integrated indicator framework is developed that links the economic, social, and environmental determinants of renewable energy technology (RET) deployment to six societal welfare dimensions, as defined by the Lithuanian Quality of Life Index. Using official Lithuanian statistics for 2020–2024, a standardized panel dataset is constructed and Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression are applied using aggregated determinant categories, with model assumptions verified using the Breusch–Pagan and Durbin–Watson tests. Correlation results show very strong positive links between RET intensity indicators and key economic welfare measures (for example, wages, GDP per capita, foreign direct investment, disposable income), with absolute correlation coefficients typically between 0.90 and 0.99 (p < 0.05), and strong negative correlations between air-pollution indicators and GDP, income, FDI, and education (correlation coefficients between −0.96 and −0.90; p < 0.05). The results indicate that RET-related economic determinants have a statistically significant positive effect on the societal welfare dimensions of material living conditions; entrepreneurship/business competitiveness; and public infrastructure, living-environment quality/safety. Social factors also significantly support the societal welfare dimensions of entrepreneurship/business competitiveness and public infrastructure, living-environment quality/safety. In the retained regression models, explanatory power is very high (R² between 0.91 and 0.999), with positive and statistically significant coefficients for the economic determinant (regression coefficients between 0.43 and 0.96; p < 0.05) and negative, statistically significant coefficients for the environmental determinant in the entrepreneurship and public-infrastructure dimensions (regression coefficients between −1.13 and −1.51; p < 0.05). Environmental determinants are associated with lower air pollution but show negative effects on the societal welfare dimensions of entrepreneurship/business competitiveness and public infrastructure, living-environment quality/safety. Overall, the findings suggest that RET deployment is an important correlate of the economic aspects of societal welfare, while environmental and social dimensions display more complex, domain-specific impacts.