New Plant in Los Ríos to Produce Over 100 Thousand Tons of Pellets Annually

The Regional Ministerial Secretary (Seremi) of Energy for Los Ríos, Juan Manuel Taladriz, visited the facilities of a new pellet production plant in the commune of La Unión. This project aims to position itself as a key player in the supply of this biofuel in the region.

The plant, driven by the company Ardemax (ChilePanel), will be the second nationwide to incorporate a complete pellet manufacturing process. It projects an annual production exceeding 100 thousand tons, representing a significant advance for the availability of this energy source.

The Seremi of Energy valued the progress of the initiative, highlighting that it will significantly increase the availability of pellets, a key input for heating thousands of homes, while also contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix.

The company stated that the project is part of a diversification strategy towards renewable energies initiated in 2021, stemming from the current ULTU brand OSB panel plant located in La Unión. They also emphasized that pellets constitute an efficient solution for heating and hot water production, thanks to their high performance, cost competitiveness, and carbon-neutral nature.

Currently, the project is in the final adjustment stage and is expected to begin its commissioning phase during the month of May.

Gap Between Supply and Demand

In the Los Ríos region, the estimated pellet production reaches about 4,700 tons annually, while demand exceeds 20,000 tons. This gap explains why approximately 80% of the pellets consumed come from other regions, reinforcing the relevance of initiatives that strengthen local production.

In parallel, the regional authority has conducted visits to various pellet sales points, aiming to monitor supply and prices ahead of the winter season.

Currently, prices fluctuate between $3,990 and $5,000 pesos, depending on the brand and the sales format, typically in 15 or 18-kilogram bags.

The Seremi of Energy reiterated the call to prefer established commerce, verifying that the pellets have visible labeling and always requesting a receipt or invoice. They also recommended purchasing in advance and avoiding upfront payments without receiving the product, as a measure to prevent scams.

Regarding quality, good pellets should have a smooth surface, uniform color, low dust presence, and a compact structure that does not crumble to the touch—characteristics that ensure more efficient combustion.

In case of any irregularities, the public is invited to file the corresponding reports through organizations such as the SII (Internal Revenue Service) or the PDI (Investigative Police).