Roadmap to green future: Biodigester technology acceptance to upscale rural energy access

Qamar S., Zhang Q., Ahmad M., Pinzon S., Ahmed N., Isik C.

ENERGY, cilt.315, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 315
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134437
  • Dergi Adı: ENERGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anadolu Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

Achieving SDG-7, which emphasizes universal access to affordable and clean energy, is critical to building a sustainable future, with biodigester technology (B-TECH) as an emerging technology capable of driving this revolutionary journey. Thus, adopting B-TECH in rural areas may help meet energy-related demands, provided that the energy policy design effectively accommodates rural residents' perceptions. This study analyzed the driving and impeding critical factors impacting B-TECH acceptance by households in the rural areas of the Southern Punjab province of Pakistan by introducing novel perceptional factors. Theoretically, a combination of the theory of consumer behavior and the technology acceptance model is employed and tested using data collected through questionnaire administration. A logit model is used to reveal that the perceived usefulness of BTECH and the perceived acceptability of innovative products proved to be the driving factors of B-TECH acceptance. Contrarily, the perceived risk of investing in B-TECH hindered B-TECH acceptance. Besides, most demographic, socioeconomic, infrastructural, ecological, and institutional factors significantly impacted households' decisions to accept B-TECH. It is recommended that B-TECH be designed to be tailored to the local conditions and that local companies be involved in manufacturing B-TECH for improved product acceptability, guiding the country's energy structure towards a green future.