Identifying and Overcoming Barriers To Renewable Energy Adoption in the Construction Materials Industry of Pakistan

Abstract

Developing renewable energy initiatives in Pakistan faces numerous barriers that hinder adoption by the population. Fossil fuel usage in the construction materials industry contributes to climate change, exacerbating environmental problems. In addition to that, Pakistan has been facing an energy crisis for decades. This study examines barriers to solar, wind, and biomass renewable energy in Pakistan's construction materials industry by ranking them using the Relative Importance Index. Fuzzy DEMATEL is applied to determine the causes and effects of these barriers, and strategies for overcoming them are proposed from the literature. The most influential criteria are high initial capital cost, lack of R&D facilities, and inadequate regulatory framework, while ecological issues, public comfort with traditional electricity systems, and lack of sufficient market-based R&D for renewable energy products play a dominant role. Detailed recommendations for removing these barriers and enhancing renewable energy adoption are provided, including strategies validated through the Delphi technique. The findings will support energy sector policy decisions and facilitate renewable energy adoption in Pakistan's construction materials industry.