Tecon Rio Grande reports 83% increase in wood pellet exports

Wilson Sons reported a significant increase in operations with wood pellets at Tecon Rio Grande, with an 83% rise in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2023. This growth represents 2,748 TEUs, 1,250 more than in 2023, equivalent to 1,374 containers or 38,529 tonnes.

The surge in activity at Tecon Rio Grande is primarily due to wood pellet exports by Todesmade, a timber industry company under the Todeschini Group, with Italy as the main destination. These pellets are made from reforested wood and measure between 1 and 4 centimeters in length. They are considered an important renewable energy source, both efficient and clean.

Wood pellets are becoming a trend in Brazil and other countries. As a biofuel, they present a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, serving as a crucial energy source for residential and commercial heating with minimal environmental impact. According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the transition to renewable energy was one of the key factors that helped the European Union reduce its CO2 emissions by 7.6% in 2023.

Paulo Bertinetti, CEO of Tecon Rio Grande, highlights the growing trend in exporting renewable energy sources. “In a world where the need to find sustainable consumption alternatives is increasingly evident, aligned with environmental practices and focused on reducing impacts, using raw materials like wood pellets becomes a very valid option,” he said. “We are keenly focused on this segment and provide all the necessary support for companies like Todesmade to operate through our terminal,” Bertinetti added.

Andréa Dolfini, export manager at Todesmade, shared insights on the market outlook for pellet exports. “Accurately making projections for the 2024 pellet export landscape is challenging, given the various factors at play, such as global demand, climate change, and others. The use of pellets as an energy and heating source is still very low in the domestic market, so developing new markets is crucial,” she stated. “Currently, Italy is Brazil’s largest importer, and we have yet to penetrate other markets with the same intensity. Nearly all production is exported for residential use. However, the growing global demand for renewable energy sources is a positive factor that could shift this scenario in the future. In this context, we always strive to adapt to market changes and continue investing in efficient and sustainable production. Based on past trends, we believe 2024 will be a successful year for pellet exports,” Dolfini added.

Tecon Rio Grande is the main gateway from Rio Grande do Sul to Brazil and the world, playing a crucial role in the state’s economic development over its 27 years of operation. The terminal currently serves more than 3,000 clients, including importers and exporters, offering weekly services to all trade routes through 13 shipping line clients. Strategically located, Tecon Rio Grande has the capacity to handle 1.4 million TEUs and accommodate New Panamax vessels with its 900 meters of dock, productivity, technology, and automation, making it the best transshipment option in the Southern Cone.

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