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Biobío Leads Pellet Production in Chile: Producers Ensure Availability for 2025 Season

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With the arrival of colder temperatures, one of the heating alternatives in many households is the use of pellet systems, a biofuel increasingly used in our country. In this context, the national industry appears ready to meet the growing demand.

The manager of the Chilean Biomass Association (AchBIOM), Daniela Espinoza, reported that the pellet industry already has a significant stock of pellets, so they anticipate that the winter season and the use of pellet heating systems should not face stock shortages in the market. This is due to investments made by pellet producers to increase the production and availability of the biofuel, as well as the opening of more production plants.

The industry leader stated that "together with the Regional Ministerial Secretary (Seremi) of Energy and the Provincial Presidential Delegate of Biobío, we visited the facilities of Andes Bio Pellet, one of the companies associated with AchBIOM."

NEW INVESTMENTS BY PRODUCERS

"One of the objectives of the visit was to share the news that this season the pellet industry started with a significant stock, which allows us to anticipate a winter without stock shortages," she explained.

Espinoza detailed, "This season, we began with over 61,000 tons of pellets, which assures us that supply for this season is secure."

"This reflects the investments made by pellet producers to increase the availability of this crucial energy source in the national market," Espinoza emphasized in an interview with *La Tribuna*.

BIOBÍO LEADS PELLET PRODUCTION

The association's manager added, "Biobío is the region that accounts for the highest pellet production nationwide, representing over 70% of the pellets produced in the country."

"This is due to the availability of raw materials and the characteristics of the industry. Many pellet plants are linked to sawmills or wood remanufacturing companies," she explained.

Daniela Espinoza continued, "Where the forestry industry is present, so is the pellet industry, which utilizes waste from the sector to produce this energy source."

PELLET INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW

"More pellet plants have opened, and some have increased their capacity, ensuring supply and providing peace of mind to the community that relies on pellets for heating," highlighted AchBIOM's manager.

Espinoza projected, "There are no signs of disruptions in the pellet industry. AchBIOM's associated companies are confident in having sufficient raw materials for this season and the following ones."

RAW MATERIALS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENSURE PELLET SUPPLY

The forestry association conducts "ongoing monitoring of the pellet market. Monthly, we meet with producers, analyze market statistics, and assess potential issues within AchBIOM's member companies."

"The main pellet producers are part of AchBIOM, and they report a positive outlook regarding raw material supply," the leader stated.

Daniela Espinoza added, "There is infrastructure, and some companies already have dryers, so they don’t rely solely on dry raw materials—they can use other biomass sources thanks to these dryers."

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SECTOR IN DECONTAMINATION PLANS

The Chilean Biomass Association manager noted they maintain "constant communication with the public sector, particularly with the Ministries of Energy and Environment."

"We will actively participate in the Expanded Operational Committees for decontamination plans, a formal space for coordinated work and contributing to the implementation of these plans," Espinoza announced.

Source:*La Tribuna*