$OMV (-0,15 %) The new plant for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) with a production capacity of 250,000 tons of sustainable fuels per year is scheduled to come on stream in 2028
With the EUR 750 million investment, OMV Petrom integrates the production of sustainable fuels at the Petrobrazi refinery alongside two green hydrogen plants
OMV Petrom becomes the first major producer of sustainable fuels in Southeast Europe and contributes to the energy transition
February 19, 2025
OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeast Europe, has started construction of a production plant for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) at the Petrobrazi refinery. This new plant, with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons, positions OMV Petrom as the first major producer of sustainable fuels in Southeast Europe.
Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom"Investing in the production of sustainable fuels is part of our Strategy 2030 and reflects OMV Petrom's commitment to the energy transition and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Sustainable fuels are crucial to decarbonize transportation, especially in areas that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation. Between 2022 and 2030, we will allocate 35% of our investment budget to projects that support the energy transition in Romania and the region."
Radu Căprău, Member of the Executive Board of OMV Petrom, responsible for Refining and Marketing"Our investment strengthens the role of the Petrobrazi refinery in providing the necessary fuels for mobility - today and in the future. Building on a long tradition of operational excellence, the refinery is transforming itself to accommodate the production of sustainable fuels. At the start of this complex project, using new and innovative technologies, we are proud to be leading the way with the first plant in our region. This achievement is thanks to our highly qualified colleagues, whose expertise and commitment are crucial to our success."
The new plant will enable OMV Petrom to integrate the production of SAF and HVO into the existing infrastructure for fuel production, storage and distribution to meet the region's demand for sustainable mobility. The project involves a total investment of EUR 750 million, of which EUR 560 million is earmarked for the construction of the SAF/HVO plant and EUR 190 million for two plants for the production of green hydrogen.
How SAF and HVO are produced and their impact on emissions
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, also known as renewable diesel) are sustainable fuels produced by processing renewable feedstocks such as used vegetable oils and animal fats. Through advanced refinery processes using green hydrogen, these materials are converted to have similar properties to conventional kerosene and diesel. The use of these fuels enables a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels (for example, by at least 65 percent in the case of SAF and HVO).
The flexibility of the new plant makes it possible to adapt the raw materials used (used oil, animal fats) and blend the end products (SAF and HVO as well as bio-naphtha and bio-LPG) according to market requirements and the availability of raw materials.
Investments in lower-emission transportation
In addition to developing the production of sustainable fuels, OMV Petrom is expanding the network of charging stations for electric vehicles and aims to reach over 5,000 units in Romania by 2030, compared to around 900 currently.