Bioena has launched a wood pellets production facility in northern Colombia, aiming to serve the European market. This new plant, which has an annual production capacity of 150,000 tons, is among the largest of its kind in the country. All production output is secured through a five-year commercial agreement with a European company, indicating strong international demand for sustainable energy solutions.
The facility has received both SBP (Sustainable Biomass Program) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certifications, ensuring that its wood pellets are responsibly sourced and manufactured under stringent environmental standards. This certification is crucial as it reassures buyers about the sustainability and traceability of the products they are acquiring.
Juan Camilo Sanz, founder and CEO of Bioena, stated during the inauguration, “Our mission is to support the global energy transition with certified and environmentally responsible products.” The wood pellets produced at this facility are primarily intended for thermoelectric power plants in Europe that are working to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Before Bioena’s establishment, only one other Colombian company, Reforestadora del Sinú, held SBP certification in the biomass sector. Bioena’s new plant significantly expands the national supply of certified biofuels, promoting Colombia’s role as a regional supplier of sustainable energy solutions.
The first export shipment is scheduled for the end of October, marking a new phase for Colombian biofuels in the global market. The plant began its start-up phase in mid-June after overcoming logistical challenges related to customs. This project is seen as a critical development in the context of the global shift towards renewable energy.