Energy pellets: Fueling a greener future amid the oil crisis

Abstract

Energy is indispensable for modern life: from turning on a lamp, cooking, and traveling, to more complex activities. Currently, most energy comes from fossil fuels, and in Mexico about 82% is supplied by Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX). However, its reserves will be depleted in the coming decades, making an urgent transition toward more sustainable, secure, and reliable sources essential. Among the available alternatives are solar and wind energy, although their intermittency and waste management issues limit their potential as fully sustainable solutions. In this context, biomass energy pellets emerge as a promising option: they are renewable, can be stored, and release the same carbon dioxide absorbed during their production, making them carbon neutral. This article analyzes their potential and how Mexico could position itself as a leader in this technology, which is key for achieving a fair and sustainable energy transition.