Pathways to Decarbonization: A Conceptual Framework Linking Renewable Energy Implementation Strategies to Sustainable Transitions Through Adaptive Technology Integration

The global transition to carbon neutrality is hindered by fragmented approaches that treat renewable energy deployment, technological innovation, and sustainability outcomes as disconnected domains. This study addresses the critical gap in understanding how renewable energy implementation strategies translate into sustainable transitions, proposing that clean energy technology adaptation serves as the essential mediating mechanism. Drawing on a narrative review methodology, the research synthesizes evidence from 327 peer-reviewed studies (2020–2025) sourced from Scopus to develop the Adaptive Carbon Planning Framework. Findings reveal that strategic initiatives such as multi-energy system integration, sector-specific hybrid solutions, and spatially coordinated policies only yield deep decarbonization when coupled with adaptive technologies like Power-to-X, AI-driven electrolyzers, and smart storage systems that respond dynamically to system fluctuations and stakeholder needs. The study demonstrates that technology adaptation is not a passive outcome but an active conduit that amplifies the impact of implementation strategies on sustainability. Theoretically, this reframes decarbonization as a complex adaptive process; practically, the Adaptive Carbon Planning Framework offers policymakers a structured yet flexible tool for designing resilient, equitable, and technically viable energy transitions. Future research should empirically test the proposed framework using comparative case studies from multiple jurisdictions, integrating both qualitative stakeholder feedback and quantitative data.