Navigating the Renewable Energy Transition: A Systematic Review of Economic and Policy Strategies for Grid Integration, Stability, and Viability

Abstract

Despite extensive research on renewable energy technologies and grid systems, a critical gap persists in understanding the integrated economic and policy frameworks necessary for cost-effective, stable grid operation with high renewable penetration. Current literature remains fragmented across disciplinary boundaries, preventing cohesive strategies that balance technical requirements with economic sustainability. This systematic review synthesizes economic and policy strategies for successful renewable energy integration by examining the intersection between technical challenges, economic viability, and policy framework effectiveness. A multistage analysis adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines combined systematic review methodology with bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and Structural Topic Modeling using R. Comprehensive Scopus database search yielded 507 initial documents, systematically filtered to 142 high-quality studies spanning 2014-2024. Bibliometric analysis revealed a decisive shift from technical integration focus (80% in 2014) toward market design and policy frameworks (60% by 2024). Structural Topic Modeling identified three themes: Renewable Energy Integration (37%), Electricity Market Design and Policy (33%), and Energy Storage and Grid Flexibility (30%). Analysis demonstrates successful transitions require technology-specific support mechanisms, market designs compensating flexibility resources for multiple grid services, and adaptive policy frameworks maintaining investment certainty. This research challenges prevailing assumptions about renewable energy barriers, revealing institutional innovation has become more critical than technical solutions. The findings provide the first comprehensive mapping of interdisciplinary research evolution, demonstrating fragmented approaches hinder optimal resource allocation. Future research should prioritize integrated assessment frameworks evaluating strategies across technical, economic, and policy dimensions simultaneously to support comprehensive institutional transformation required for sustainable energy transitions.