Wood waste conversion projects advance biomass energy in Argentina and Ecuador

In Argentina, the province of Neuquén has launched its first pellet plant located at the Corporación Forestal Neuquina (Corfone) sawmill in Junín de los Andes. The facility, representing an investment of approximately 3.8 million dollars, utilizes Italian technology to convert wood industry waste into heating fuel. Governor Rolando Figueroa noted that the project helps mitigate fire risks by reducing the accumulation of forest waste. The plant has a production capacity of two tons per hour, aiming for an annual output of roughly 6,000 tons.

In Ecuador, the company Novopan has received regional recognition for its biomass plant, which converts wood residues and subproducts into renewable thermal energy. This initiative has helped the company increase the use of renewable energy in its drying processes from 58% in 2024 to 89%. The project was named a finalist for the 2026 Green Awards and recognized by the OLACDE Excellence in Energy Awards for its contribution to sustainable energy development in Latin America and the Caribbean.