OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in South-Eastern Europe, announces the start of construction work for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) production unit at the Petrobrazi refinery. The new unit will position OMV Petrom as the first major sustainable fuels producer in South-Eastern Europe, with a capacity of 250,000 tons per year, starting in 2028. With the investment of 750 million euros, OMV Petrom integrates the production of sustainable fuels at Petrobrazi together with two green hydrogen units.
“The investment in sustainable fuels production is part of our 2030 strategy and reflects OMV Petrom’s commitment to the energy transition and the reduction of carbon emissions. Sustainable fuels are essential for the decarbonization of transport, especially in sectors where electrification is difficult to implement, such as aviation. In the period 2022-2030, we will direct 35% of the investment budget to projects that support the energy transition, in Romania and in the region”, said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom.
“This investment strengthens the role of the Petrobrazi refinery in providing the fuels needed for mobility – both today and in the future. The refinery is transforming to accommodate the production of sustainable fuels, such as SAF and HVO, while maintaining a long tradition of operational excellence. We are proud to lead the way with the first facility of its kind in the region where we operate, by starting this very complex project, which uses new and innovative technologies. This achievement is possible thanks to our highly qualified colleagues, whose expertise and dedication are essential for our success”, added Radu Căprău, member of the OMV Petrom management board responsible for Refining and Marketing.
The new unit will allow OMV Petrom to integrate SAF and HVO production with the existing fuel production, storage and distribution infrastructure, thus responding to the region’s sustainable mobility needs.
The project involves a total investment of EUR 750 million, of which EUR 560 million for the construction of the SAF-HVO unit, and EUR 190 million for two green hydrogen production facilities.
How SAF and HVO are produced and the impact on emissions
SAF and HVO are sustainable fuels produced by processing renewable raw materials, such as waste vegetable oils and animal fats. Through advanced refining processes, using green hydrogen, these materials are transformed to have characteristics similar to conventional kerosene and diesel. The use of these fuels allows 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 flexibility of the new facility allows the adjustment of the type of raw materials used (waste oil, animal fats) and the mix of finished products (SAF and HVO, as well as bio-diesel and bio-LPG), depending on market requirements and the availability of raw materials.
In parallel with the development of sustainable fuel production, OMV Petrom is expanding the charging network for electric vehicles, with the goal of over 5,000 points by 2030 in Romania, compared to approximately 900 currently in place.