From Niche to Mainstream: Exploring Innovation and Progress of Renewable Energy Development

This article explores the evolution of research in the field of renewable energy over the past five decades, tracing its development through various phases. Initially sparked by the 1970s energy crises and growing environmental consciousness, the journey began with a focus on technological solutions for renewables. The article highlights the shift over time away from purely technology-driven research to a broader, interdisciplinary orientation. Following the first phase of exploring technology solutions, we discuss the market expansion phase of renewables, their market integration as well as the current speeding up of the transition towards a more and more renewable electricity system. We highlight the evolution of support mechanisms and concomitant scientific debate that accompanied the move from quota obligations to feed-in tariffs. With renewables now a key element in achieving climate neutrality, research has expanded to include market and system integration, the socio-economic impacts of the renewable energy expansion, and systems transformation perspectives. The article underscores the contribution of different types of institutions and players in shaping renewable energy research and policy, emphasising the increasing importance of a systemic and interdisciplinary approach to address current energy and sustainability challenges in a holistic manner.