Since July 29, 2024, the “Study to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a pellet quality standard for residential use marketed in Chile” has been underway. This project, funded by the Ministry of Energy and executed by the Energy Sustainability Agency in collaboration with the Technological Services Company of the University of Concepción (UDT-EST), seeks to strengthen and standardize the quality of pellet available in the domestic market.

One of the main tasks of this study is to gather first source information on pellet quality, the production process, and the need to establish a standard for the industry. For this purpose, a National Survey of Pellet Producing Companies has been designed, which will be applied to more than 50 pellet producing companies located from the Valparaíso Region to the Magallanes Region. In addition, many of these companies will be visited in the field to obtain a more complete view of their processes.

The survey will allow to deepen in critical aspects such as:

  • Pellet Production Process: Detail how production is carried out in the different companies.
  • Quality and Raw Materials: Identify the sources of supply and the quality of the materials used.
  • Need for a Quality Standard: Evaluate the feasibility and possible advantages of implementing a standard for the industry.

As a complement to the survey, a representative sample of pellets marketed in Chile will be analyzed to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the current quality.

The study will be carried out between August 2024 and January 2025. A workshop will be held in December 2024 to share the partial results and discuss the need to implement a quality standard for pellets in Chile.

The information provided by the companies will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring the protection and privacy of the data collected.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the survey, please contact the Director of the study, Ms. Carla Perez, via email c.perez@udt.cl.