# Biomass energy and circular economy in South America > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/biomass-energy-and-circular-economy-in-south-america > Updated: 2026-11-05T19:12:51.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Industrial efforts to utilize wood waste for renewable energy have progressed in Ecuador and Argentina. In Ecuador, the company Novopan has integrated circular economy practices by incorporating up to 50% recycled material and wood byproducts into its particleboard manufacturing. The company has utilized biomass from wood remnants to generate thermal energy, increasing its use of renewable sources in drying processes from 58% in 2024 to 89%. This initiative received recognition from the OLACDE Excellence in Energy Awards and was a finalist for the 2026 Green Awards. In Argentina, the province of Neuquén launched a pellet plant at the Corporación Forestal Neuquina sawmill in Junín de los Andes. The 3.8 million dollar project uses technology to convert wood industry waste into heating fuel. Governor Rolando Figueroa stated the project helps mitigate fire risks by reducing forest waste accumulation. The plant has an annual production goal of approximately 6,000 tons. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-05: Wood waste conversion projects advance biomass energy in Argentina and Ecuador New biomass initiatives in Argentina and Ecuador are transforming wood waste into renewable energy, improving forest safety in Neuquén and increasing renewable energy use for Novopan in Ecuador. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wood-waste-conversion-projects-advance-biomass-energy-in-argentina-and-ecuador ### 2026-10-29: Novopan implements circular economy practices in Ecuador Novopan in Ecuador is adopting circular economy models, using up to 50% recycled wood in products and sourcing 85% of its thermal energy from renewable biomass. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novopan-implements-circular-economy-practices-in-ecuador --- Cite as: Biomass energy and circular economy in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/biomass-energy-and-circular-economy-in-south-america