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Forestal Arauco Commissions Renewable Energy Plant in Misiones, Argentina

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The forestry company Arauco received authorization from the Argentine national government to operate as a self-generator at its new 39 MW (megawatt) thermal power plant in the Misiones city of Iguazú.

Resolution 86/2025 from the Ministry of Economy allows the company to manage its own electricity generation, reducing its reliance on the interconnected grid and freeing up energy for the rest of Misiones.

The measure was endorsed by the Wholesale Electricity Market Administrator Company S.A. (CAMMESA), which certified Arauco's compliance with the requirements established in the Wholesale Electricity Market (MEM).

Additionally, the Secretary of Energy, led by María Tettamanti, supported the decision based on prior approval of the environmental impact study by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Misiones.

Multi-Million Dollar Investment

The new thermal power plant is part of a modernization plan for Arauco's pulp mill, with an estimated investment of 10 million dollars.

As explained to Radio Open 101.7 in Posadas by Pablo Ruival, CEO of Arauco Argentina, the project includes a state-of-the-art turbogenerator capable of producing over 40 megawatts, though it will operate with a 40 MW restriction due to boiler limitations. This technology replaces outdated equipment, leading to improvements in efficiency, consumption, and reduced environmental impact.

"We are very proud of this progress. It is a significant project that aligns with a series of investments to keep the plant competitive and in line with environmental standards," he stated.

Carbon Credits

In 2019, Arauco became the world's first carbon-neutral certified forestry company, and in 2024, it joined the Jurisdictional JNR-REDD+ Program, promoted by Misiones provincial legislator Carlos Rovira. This program aims to preserve native forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Iguazú thermal plant adds to the existing one in the Misiones town of Puerto Piray, located about 185 kilometers from Posadas along the Paraná River, which generates around 30 MW. Ruival explained that with this infrastructure, Arauco will no longer draw energy from the grid for its pulp mill, increasing electrical availability for the province.

"Ultimately, we are freeing up energy for Misiones and operating more efficiently. Additionally, the Piray plant will continue injecting its surplus into the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI)," the CEO detailed.

This increase in energy supply gains relevance after a summer of extreme temperatures, during which—despite high demand—no massive power outages were recorded in the province.

Ruival also highlighted Arauco's role as the largest private employer in Misiones. The company generates 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily concentrated in the northern part of the province. "Not only are we the forestry company with the most employees, but we are also the largest private taxpayer in the province," he affirmed.

Regarding logistics, the company uses the port of Posadas to export its products, whenever barges are available, with a monthly volume of between 2,500 and 3,000 tons. It also relies on rail and truck transportation to ensure the flow of its production.

Source:MDZOL