Towards economic, environmental, and societal sustainable world: Reviewing the interplay of methodologies, variables, and impacts in energy transition models

Green energy transition models provide frameworks for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders to plan and implement the shift toward more sustainable energy systems. These models evolve as technologies advance, policies change, and societal priorities shift, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptation in energy transition planning. This study presents a systematic literature review of 115 papers to elucidate methodological approaches, variables, and assessed impacts involved in these models. The descriptive analysis of the sample reveals a burgeoning interest in this pivotal domain alongside a conspicuous dearth of consolidated model and methodological approaches for evaluating the multifaceted environmental, societal, and economic impacts of green energy transition processes. Our results show a broad spectrum of methodological approaches proposed in the literature, with Agent-Based Modeling & Simulation and Statistical Methodologies emerging as prominently featured methodologies. Through a rigorous content analysis of the article sample, we developed a taxonomy of variables that encompasses environmental, economic, societal, governance, knowledge, and technological domains. Then, to elucidate the intricate relationships between output variables and methodologies, we utilised Sankey diagrams and a conceptual map to clarify the complexity inherent in studying related processes. Lastly, a meticulously crafted research agenda is outlined, derived from critical themes identified in the articles, to guide future research endeavours and contribute to advancing knowledge in the green energy transition modelling field.