OMV Petrom has commenced the construction of a production unit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) at its Petrobrazi refinery. Once operational, this facility will position OMV Petrom as the first major producer of sustainable fuels in the region, with an annual production capacity of 250,000 tons.
This investment is a key component of OMV Petrom’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on energy transition and carbon emission reduction. Sustainable fuels are vital for decarbonizing sectors such as aviation, where electrification remains a challenge. OMV Petrom is allocating 35% of its investment budget between 2022 and 2030 to energy transition projects throughout Romania and the wider region.
The Petrobrazi refinery is undergoing a major transformation to integrate sustainable fuel production while continuing to supply essential fuels for mobility. The project incorporates advanced technologies into existing fuel production, storage, and distribution infrastructure, ensuring the refinery’s continued relevance in the evolving energy market.
With a total investment of 750 million euros, the project includes 560 million euros for the construction of the SAF/HVO production unit and 190 million euros for two green hydrogen production facilities. SAF and HVO are derived from renewable feedstocks, such as used vegetable oils and animal fats. These materials are processed with green hydrogen into fuels that mirror the properties of conventional kerosene and diesel, leading to CO2 emissions reductions of at least 65% compared to fossil fuels.
The new facility offers operational flexibility, enabling adjustments in feedstock selection and the production balance of SAF, HVO, bio-naphtha, and bio-LPG, depending on market demand and raw material availability. In addition to sustainable fuel production, OMV Petrom is expanding its electric vehicle charging network, aiming to install over 5,000 charging points across Romania by 2030, up from the current 900 units.