<p>The rapid digitalization of the global economy is reshaping how countries pursue sustainable energy transitions and reshaping environmental technology applications. However, existing research on this interdisciplinary field remains fragmented and lacks a systematic synthesis of key trends, research gaps and policy implications. To address this gap, this research presents the first comprehensive scientometric analysis on the digital economy’s role in global energy transitions, analyzing 600 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2024 from the Scopus database. Through performance analysis and science mapping, this research identifies three major thematic clusters: (1) digitalization and carbon emission control; (2) sustainable development and green innovation; and (3) urban carbon dynamics and economic perspectives. The scientometric analysis highlights a surge in publications from 2021 to 2024, with the top cited article achieving 161.67 average citations per year and annual publication growth rate of 36.95%, underscoring the dynamic expansion of this interdisciplinary field. Future research opportunities include developing artificial intelligence (AI) powered carbon monitoring systems to enhance transparency and precision in emission tracking, integrating blockchain based solutions to support secure and verifiable carbon markets, designing inclusive digital platforms that promote equitable access and participation in smart city sustainability initiatives and exploring the integration of digital innovation within evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable finance frameworks. This research offers practical insights for governments and investors to align digitalization policies and strategies with the global decarbonization agenda.</p>