In the town of Mainqué in Río Negro, two entrepreneurs —Lucas Porro and Alfredo Quiroga— developed a 100% ecological fuel from waste from fruit and nut production.
The project, named Eco Light, aims to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional firewood, taking advantage of organic waste that is often discarded.
The origin of the idea
Lucas, dedicated to permaculture and bioconstruction, was inspired after observing a fire at a nearby juice factory. There he noticed how the burned organic matter generated a process similar to pyrolysis, difficult to extinguish and with high calorific power.
From that experience, he began experimenting with pear pomace (solid waste after juice extraction).
The sustainable formula
The venture combines:
- Pear pomace.
- Micronized shells of walnuts and almonds, whose oil favors combustion.
- Recovered charcoal from brick kilns.
- Nopal mucilage, used as a natural flocculant to bind the materials.
The result is a moldable paste with great calorific power, durability, and no visible flame, ideal for heating and cooking without transmitting aromas to the food.
Advantages of the fuel
- High durability compared to conventional firewood.
- Does not generate flame, reducing risks.
- 100% sustainable: uses organic waste and avoids tree felling.
- Can be used in heating and cooking.
Social and environmental impact
Eco Light not only utilizes waste but also contributes to the circular economy. By reusing nut shells, it helps prevent the spread of pests like the codling moth, adding value to the entire production chain. Additionally, it strengthens the rural identity of the Alto Valle, where heating with firewood is a daily necessity.
Recognition and challenges
The project was presented at the Fiesta de la Manzana, where it received praise and requests from various provinces. However, production is still limited due to a lack of machinery for large-scale manufacturing.
The Ministry of Production of Río Negro offered support to develop the idea and generate strategic links.
Currently, Eco Light is sold among friends and acquaintances, but the entrepreneurs are working to gather resources that will allow them to scale production. The demand exists, and the public’s empathy with the project confirms its potential.
Future projection
Lucas and Alfredo dream that Eco Light will become a benchmark for ecological fuels in Argentina. Their goal is to industrialize the process and consolidate a model that unites different industries around sustainability. The vision is clear: to produce clean energy, reduce pressure on forests, and offer a product with a positive impact on the community.
Eco Light represents an example of sustainable innovation in the Alto Valle: transforming waste into clean energy, reducing tree felling, and providing practical solutions to rural life.
With institutional support and new investments, this venture could pave the way toward a more responsible and resilient energy future.
