MOL Group Achieves New Milestone in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Sustainable Advancements in Fuel Production

On World Biodiesel Day, a significant milestone was reached in sustainable fuel production by MOL Group. The company has successfully produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the first time at INA’s Rijeka Refinery. This achievement is part of a pilot project that also involves the generation of renewable diesel known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This latest accomplishment is the second test of its kind for MOL Group, following an earlier successful pilot conducted at the Slovnaft’s Bratislava refinery. These advancements underscore MOL Group’s technological capability and its dedication to alternative fuel solutions aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and energy security.

Collaboration at Rijeka Refinery

The pilot project at the Rijeka Refinery was carried out in collaboration with Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), the licensor for the refinery’s Hydrocracking Unit. The project’s goal was to test the co-processing of 5% Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) along with traditional fossil feedstocks. A total of 1,000 tonnes of biogenic feedstock were utilized during this trial. An independent audit was conducted by Bureau Veritas d.o.o., which confirmed that the process met the parameters set by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard for sustainable biofuels.

Preparation and Testing Process

The preparations for the pilot project unfolded over a period of eight months, primarily due to the intricate nature of processing a novel type of feedstock alongside specific physical and chemical characteristics. Throughout the test runs, over 400 samples were diligently collected for analysis at INA’s Central Testing Laboratory (CIL). External laboratories, notably the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb and Isotoptech Zrt. in Debrecen, were also engaged to assess the biogenic content through a C14 analysis.

Further Developments at Bratislava Refinery

In a similar vein, earlier this year, the Bratislava Refinery achieved notable success with production tests involving diesel fuel infused with HVO and SAF. This HVO was derived from cashew nut shells, and in the SAF case, partially refined cooking oil was co-processed with conventional crude oil. These tests affirmed that the production unit at the Bratislava Refinery, dedicated to producing standard aviation kerosene, is also capable of manufacturing sustainable aviation fuel.

Innovative Co-Processing Method

Utilizing a co-processing method has been a common practice for MOL Group at the Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta for several years. This method effectively reduces emissions associated with traditional fuels by blending plant waste products, where both bio and fossil components are processed simultaneously during production.

Strategic Commitment to Renewable Fuels

Renewable fuels play an essential part in MOL Group’s SHAPE TOMORROW strategy. The company is already recognized as a leader in biofuel markets in Hungary and the surrounding region, particularly for HVO produced from waste materials. This leadership is significant, as it meets the criteria for one of the most environmentally-friendly fuel options and positions MOL Group among the pioneers in aviation biofuel production in Europe.

MOL Group’s Vision for Sustainable Mobility

Csaba Zsótér, Senior Vice President for Fuels at MOL Group, emphasized that the company has been producing diesel and sustainable aviation fuel from renewable sources and is poised to expand its production capabilities. This readiness and strategic commitment reaffirm MOL Group’s vision for sustainable mobility, whether for road transport or air travel. By becoming a comprehensive mobility service provider, the company can offer an even wider variety of fuels, fostering a seamless energy transition for customers.

Commercialization of SAF

MOL Group is actively involved in research and development, continuously exploring new possibilities for biofuel production and utilization. In 2022, in partnership with Budapest Airport, Wizz Air, and Airport Fuel Supply LLC, the company initialized commercial testing of SAF in Hungary. This initiative has led to the sale of SAF as a regular part of their operations in Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia, amounting to approximately 14 kilotons of biocomponents.

Technical and Environmental Standards

It is important to note that SAF can only be produced from traditional renewable feedstocks or from waste, complying with the same technical and environmental standards as conventional kerosene. Although very few refineries globally possess the capability to produce SAF, the current demand significantly surpasses supply, which reflects in the pricing dynamics. Thus, the ongoing developments by MOL Group hold strategic significance both for climate protection and the security of fuel supply.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainable Logistics

MOL Group’s recent successful SAF and HVO production testing not only marks a crucial technological advancement but also signals an active commitment towards sustainable mobility. The emphasis on renewable fuels is vital, aligning with global energy trends and regulatory frameworks that prioritize reduced carbon footprints.

In the ever-evolving landscape of logistics, such advancements in fuel production resonate closely with modern transportation needs and environmental sustainability efforts. For businesses and individuals facilitating logistics, embracing sustainable practices in fuel and transportation can improve efficiency and reduce operational costs, while promoting ecological responsibility.

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