Global Research Trends in AI and Blockchain for Smart Grids: A Bibliometric Analysis with a Focus on Morocco (2014–2024)

Abstract

As Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly incorporated into energy systems, smart grids are becoming essential parts of modern energy infrastructures. However, this integration exposes them to significant cybersecurity risks, highlighting the need for effective prevention and mitigation strategies to enhance resilience. Due to their promising implications, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as key technologies to strengthen security, improve data analysis, and optimize processes in smart grids. This bibliometric study investigates key trends, opportunities, and evolving dynamics within the field, analyzing a dataset of 9611 articles from the Scopus database, covering the period 2014–2024. To evaluate the research, we utilized a range of bibliometric tools, including Bibliometrix R, VOSviewer, and Python. We used these tools to identify impactful articles. We also analyzed country and institutional productivity, assessed prolific authors, and uncovered emerging trends. The findings highlight a shift towards advanced smart grids incorporating AI and blockchain, with significant progress in Morocco’s research since 2016. Morocco ranks 36th globally and 3rd in Africa, contributing to the National Digital Morocco 2030 Strategy, which promotes digital transition and innovation, particularly in smart grids, to bolster the country’s energy system.