Having spent a significant part of my academic journey in Sweden, engaged in research in materials science with a growing interest in renewable energy applications, I often find myself reflecting on the stark contrasts between that experience and the current realities in Pakistan. One example that continues to resonate with me is Renova — a publicly owned waste and energy company serving ten municipalities in western Sweden. At first glance, Renova may appear to be just another municipal service provider. In reality, it stands as a remarkable example of how integrated public responsibility and long-term planning can transform waste into a regional asset - not merely disposed of, but reused, recycled and repurposed as a driver of sustainable development.

In 2024, the Renova Group processed over 1.1 million tonnes of waste, converting it into 1.56 million megawatt-hours of district heating and over 292,000 megawatt-hours of electricity. These numbers are more than statistics; they reflect a deeper........

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