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INFOR Study Reveals Gaps in Biomass Sector Human Capital and Presents Challenges for Professionalization

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A recent study conducted by the Forestry Institute (INFOR) has highlighted significant gaps in the human capital of Chile's biomass sector, particularly in the central-south zone, where most productive activity is concentrated. The report, titled "Human Capital Gaps in the Biomass Sector for Thermal Use," was funded by CORFO and developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy.

The analysis reveals that the sector currently has a workforce of 49,863 thermal biomass workers, 90% of whom are employed in the firewood subsector. However, there are structural deficiencies in technical training, relevance, adoption of new technologies, female participation, and generational adaptation.

"The sector's potential is enormous, but we are facing critical challenges in training, upskilling, and specialization of workers in key areas of the biomass value chain," stated Rafael Sanhueza, INFOR researcher and lead author of the study.

The research, carried out during 2024, proposes various action plans to address these gaps, focusing on integrating new technologies, adapting production processes to facilitate the inclusion of women and youth, and improving technical and professional training. "Closing these gaps will enhance the industry's competitiveness by fostering innovation and creating new jobs in key areas for Chile's economic development," emphasized Rafael Sanhueza.

The subsectors with the most significant gaps include firewood, pellet, and thermal chip production, as well as installation, maintenance, and thermal equipment manufacturing services. In response, the study outlines action plans such as modernizing production processes, training skilled human capital, and promoting the inclusion of women and youth in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Public Policies and Cross-Sector Collaboration

The study's findings were presented in a virtual seminar attended by INFOR Los Ríos Regional Manager Dr. Gerardo Vergara, CORFO's Deputy Manager of Territorial Initiatives and Programs Alicia Olivares, and Nicolás Zamorano, Head of the Biofuels Unit at the Ministry of Energy's Fuels and New Energies Division.

"This diagnosis is essential to advancing toward more efficient and sustainable biomass use, especially in southern Chile, where its potential is even greater," stated Dr. Vergara. "The recommendations will help reduce existing gaps and enhance human capital capabilities in this key sector."

From CORFO, Alicia Olivares emphasized the value of this research as a foundation for future strategies:

"The study's findings will allow us to focus our efforts on closing technical and professional skill gaps in the biomass sector, which will be crucial for economic development, particularly in regional areas."

Meanwhile, Nicolás Zamorano from the Ministry of Energy highlighted the report's relevance in implementing the new Solid Biofuels Law:

"This study provides key tools to strengthen the biomass sector, particularly regarding human capital, which will be essential to meet the new standards required by the law."

The study also underscores the need to strengthen collaboration between the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to address these gaps. This interinstitutional alliance is key to designing policies that professionalize the sector and enhance its ability to adapt to regulatory and technological changes.

Toward a More Modern and Sustainable Value Chain

Beyond informing public policy, the study calls for stronger collaboration between public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to holistically address industry challenges.

"Closing these gaps will not only improve the sector's competitiveness but also enable innovation and generate quality jobs in key areas for the country's economic development," concluded Rafael Sanhueza.

With this diagnosis, INFOR reaffirms its commitment to evidence-based solutions for a strategic sector moving toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and technologically prepared future.