Shining Light on Quantum Technologies: A Bibliometric Analysis on Quantum Technology Research in the Energy Sector

Quantum technology is bound to reshape the way problems are solved surpassing classical computating limts. This paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of the burgeoning quantum research connecting quantum technologies with the energy sector using data from Scopus. Using the bibliometric software VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R package, the analysis maps knowledge domains and tracks publication trends from 2019 to the end of 2025 for two datasets with distincts keywords (Dataset A – quantum related keywords & Dataset B – quantum and energy related keywords) verifying three research questions (RQ) and one hypothesis. The results of the analysis reveals an expanding research field in quantum (Dataset A) with an impressive annual growth rate and a comparable low paper age. The energy specialized research field (Dataset B) shows an early stage but an even higher annual growth rate than the general quantum research field (Dataset A). The keyword analysis reveals a bibliometric map concentrated around more technical topics, like optimization, application of quantum computing to artificial intelligence (AI) and securing critical energy infrastructures. Although less prevalent than the technical clusters the keyword search also revealed some management and business-oriented clusters. The insights revealed by the RQ confirm the hypothesis (H1) that current quantum applications in the energy sector although novel, show signs of significant development, with future applications to solve complex optimizations that need stronger computing power, like grid optimization, renewable energy forecasting, and material innovation.