Decentralized Waste-to-Energy Solutions: A Socio-Technical Assessment of Organic Refuse-Derived Fuel Briquettes in Low- Income Communities of Karachi, Pakistan

Organic waste valorisation into decentralized energy systems represents a critical pathway for addressing energy poverty and waste management challenges in rapidly urbanising regions. This study investigates the technical and socio-economic feasibility of Organic Refuse-Derived Fuel (ORDF) briquettes for low-income households and small commercial users in Karachi, Pakistan. A structured survey of 400 participants (200 households and 200 businesses) assessed awareness, willingness-to-pay (WTP), and adoption readiness. Results showed that while only half of respondents had prior awareness of briquettes, adoption interest was high—80% of households and 60% of commercial users expressed willingness to adopt. Mean WTP was PKR 34.9/kg for households and PKR 65.4/kg for businesses, indicating scope for dual pricing models. High levels of waste segregation (70% of households and 95% of companies) suggest robust feedstock availability to support community-scale production. Statistical tests confirmed households were significantly more inclined to adopt briquettes, with affordability being the strongest driver. Despite this potential, market absence, limited awareness campaigns, and policy gaps remain key barriers. The findings highlight that integrating ORDF briquettes into municipal waste-to-energy strategies can provide scalable, low-carbon energy solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 12, 13). The study contributes evidence for designing decentralized, socio-technical energy transitions in urban low-income contexts.