Urban expansion of Energiewende in Germany: a systematic bibliometric analysis and literature study

Abstract Background Despite Germany’s world leadership of Energiewende , there have been mounting challenges, such as the slowdown German renewable energy growth since 2017, when Merkel administration dramatically changed promotion policy from feed-in tariffs to competitive auctions. These challenges pose important research questions about whether and how an emerging urban expansion can serve a vital solution counteract transition. Answering these provides unique opportunity explore academic historic foundations transition its expansion, events that exemplify viable solutions this growing trend might be able provide Methods This paper conducted visual manual bibliometric analyses, examined results case studies, reviewed secondary literature data on . Results By analyzing investigative results, identified political, socioeconomic, technological new solar in cities aimed at meeting carbon neutrality targets by 2045. The manifests itself focused efforts identifying vast untapped potential building rooftop areas most populous and/or detached two-family houses Germany recent booming building-related PV heating mandates states, expanding cooling systems, government support various levels through aggressively strengthening climate targets. Conclusions In search for answers Germany, both analyses applied desk reviews data. found including awareness gap solarization enhanced municipal policies, actors, actions, accomplishments exploiting potential. findings were based knowledge contribute knowledge. To help more effectively exploit solarizing all cities, especially largest ones, study recommends further closely track progress apply quantitative tools approaches future tracking.