Catalysts for Clean Energy Adoption: Effects of Family Resources and Proximity in Rural Energy Transitions

ABSTRACT Rural household energy consumption is critical for advancing sustainable development and achieving low‐carbon energy systems. Despite various policy efforts to promote clean energy adoption, traditional energy sources remain prevalent in rural areas. This study investigates how household resource endowments and energy accessibility influence the adoption and consumption of clean energy in rural households. Using data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) survey, a Tobit model is employed to analyze how social, economic, and human assets, along with proximity to clean energy supply points, impact both the level and structure of clean energy consumption. The findings indicate that high levels of human and economic assets significantly promote clean energy adoption, with educated households and those engaged in non‐agricultural employment more likely to adopt clean energy and incur lower associated costs. Furthermore, proximity to clean energy supply points is positively correlated with both clean energy consumption level and its share in total energy expenditure. A notable “low‐cost high‐quality” phenomenon emerges, where households using advanced clean energy sources experience lower costs compared to those relying on traditional energy. The results highlight the importance of improving energy accessibility, promoting education, and leveraging social assets to support clean energy adoption. Policy recommendations include enhancing rural energy infrastructure, increasing awareness, and addressing technical and financial barriers to facilitate the clean energy transition. These measures will contribute to sustainable rural development and environmental preservation.