The role of metaverse technologies in energy systems towards sustainable development goals

The metaverse, powered by digital twins (DT), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), is reshaping energy systems by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. However, its resource-intensive nature necessitates strategic integration of renewable energy and optimization strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. This review is critical as it systematically examines the transformative role of metaverse technologies in energy systems, identifying their potential to optimize efficiency, foster innovation, and align with global sustainability objectives. This paper employs a rigorous methodology, integrating the PRISMA framework, machine learning-based BERTopic modeling, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mapping algorithms to provide a structured synthesis of current research. The review is based on 4951 documents from the Scopus database, refined through a three-stage selection process, yielding a final dataset of 508 relevant publications. Through this analysis, six key themes emerge where metaverse technologies significantly impact energy systems: (1) advancing sustainability in transport, manufacturing, and nuclear power, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure); (2) enabling sustainable energy transitions through smart grids and AI-driven models, aligning with SDG 7's goal of universal clean energy access and SDG 13 (Climate Action), which integrates climate resilience into energy strategies. Additionally, innovations in battery technologies and immersive solutions for nuclear sustainability further demonstrate the metaverse's role in driving sustainable energy applications. This study makes a novel contribution by advancing the understanding of the metaverse-energy sustainability nexus through a systematic, data-driven approach, distinguishing itself from prior reviews by integrating topic modeling and SDG mapping. The findings highlight the need for strategic adoption, policy frameworks, and investment in sustainable design to ensure the metaverse's positive impact on global energy systems. Future research should focus on advancing digital twins, immersive technologies, and renewable energy integration to enhance efficiency, equity, and resilience in energy applications.