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Guaranteed Supply of Pellets in La Araucanía to Combat Pollution

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• Authorities and the private sector ensure a continuous supply of pellets, key for atmospheric decontamination and the energy transition in Temuco and Padre Las Casas.

The La Araucanía Region breathes a sigh of relief with the confirmation that the supply of pellets, an essential fuel for the Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA), will be guaranteed throughout the year, avoiding the stock issues that have affected the area in previous seasons. This stability is crucial to maintain progress in decontamination and improve the air quality for residents of Temuco and Padre Las Casas.

Presidential delegate Juan Montalva highlighted the collaboration between the Regional Ministerial Secretary (seremi) of the Environment, the seremi of Economy, and the private sector, which has resulted in greater confidence regarding the supply of processed wood fuel. Antonio Minte, manager of Achbiom, emphasized the industry's commitment to regaining consumer trust, mentioning growth in installed capacity and the adoption of new technologies that ensure long-term supply.

Meanwhile, the seremi of the Environment, Félix Contreras, urged the public to avoid speculative purchases of pellets, which in the past have led to inflated prices and harmed the most vulnerable families. He also reminded that the average pellet consumption per household in Temuco and Padre Las Casas is 1.1 tons per year, translating to over 22,000 tons consumed annually in both municipalities.

Aligned with these efforts, the seremi of Economy, Nelson Curiñir, announced the creation of working groups with pellet producers to address and resolve gaps in production and demand, thereby strengthening public-private collaboration. This joint effort not only seeks to improve the industry but also significantly contribute to air decontamination in the region.

It is important to note that, of the stove replacements carried out so far, 11,081 have been pellet stoves, accounting for 73.6% of the total. Additionally, the current PDA is undergoing modifications, with an ambitious goal of replacing 45,000 units within 10 years of its implementation.