Romanian integrated oil company OMV Petrom has begun construction of a unit at its Petrobrazi Refinery that is expected to create 250,000 tons of sustainable fuels a year, starting in 2028. The refinery will produce Renewable Diesel (HVO) that can be used in maritime operations as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The new unit will enable OMV Petrom to integrate the production of SAF and HVO with the existing infrastructure for fuel production, storage, and distribution, thus meeting the region’s sustainable mobility needs.
The project entails a total investment of €750 million, of which €560 million are allocated for the construction of the SAF/HVO unit, and €190 million for two green hydrogen production facilities.
“Investing in sustainable fuel production is part of our Strategy 2030 and reflects OMV Petrom’s commitment to energy transition and reducing carbon emissions,” said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom. “Sustainable fuels are essential to decarbonize transportation, especially in sectors where electrification is difficult to implement, such as aviation. Between 2022 and 2030, we are allocating 35% of our investment budget towards projects that support the energy transition, in Romania and the region.”
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil also known as renewable diesel) are sustainable fuels manufactured by processing renewable raw materials, such as used vegetable oils and animal fats. Through advanced refining processes using green hydrogen, these materials are transformed to have characteristics similar to those of conventional kerosene and diesel. The use of these fuels allows for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels (for example, by at least 65% in the case of SAF and HVO).
The new facility is flexible to allow for the adjustment of the type of raw materials used (used oil, animal fats) and the mix of finished products (SAF and HVO, as well as bio-naphtha and bio-LPG), depending on market requirements and the availability of feedstock.
