MOL Group successfully produced SAF and renewable diesel using biogenic feedstocks, advancing low-carbon fuel production and European decarbonization goals.
MOL Group has achieved a significant milestone in its journey toward cleaner energy and lower-carbon transportation fuels, announcing the successful completion of a new series of production tests for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) at INA’s Rijeka Refinery in Croatia. The accomplishment represents another important step in the company’s broader strategy to support the energy transition while leveraging existing refining infrastructure to produce renewable fuels.
The pilot project demonstrated the refinery’s capability to process renewable feedstocks alongside conventional fossil-based materials. During the trial, the refinery co-processed 5% palm oil mill effluent (POME), a by-product generated during palm oil production, together with traditional feedstocks. The process successfully produced both sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, highlighting the potential of integrating biogenic materials into established refinery operations.
A total of 1,000 tonnes of renewable feedstock was used during the testing phase. The project also received independent verification under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework, one of the most widely recognized sustainability certification systems in the renewable fuels sector. This certification confirms that the feedstocks and production methods meet stringent environmental and sustainability requirements, reinforcing MOL Group’s commitment to responsible and transparent renewable fuel production.
The successful trial at the Rijeka Refinery builds upon previous achievements within the MOL Group network. Earlier SAF and HVO production tests were conducted at the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava, Slovakia, where alternative renewable feedstocks, including cashew nut shell oil and used cooking oil, were co-processed with crude oil. The positive outcomes from both projects demonstrate the versatility of existing refinery assets and their ability to accommodate a range of renewable raw materials.
According to the company, the results provide strong evidence that conventional refinery units originally designed for the production of aviation kerosene can be adapted to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel without requiring entirely new production facilities. This capability is particularly important as Europe accelerates efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector and meet ambitious climate objectives established under European Union policies.
The development also carries broader implications for regional energy security. By producing renewable fuels domestically and utilizing existing industrial infrastructure, countries can reduce dependence on imported energy sources while supporting the transition to cleaner transportation systems. Sustainable aviation fuel is widely regarded as one of the most effective near-term solutions for lowering carbon emissions from air travel, a sector that remains difficult to decarbonize through electrification alone.
MOL Group emphasized that renewable fuels are a cornerstone of its long-term SHAPE TOMORROW corporate strategy. The company is focused on expanding the use of renewable and waste-derived feedstocks, reducing lifecycle emissions from transportation fuels, and scaling innovative technologies that can contribute to Europe’s broader decarbonization goals.
By continuing to integrate sustainable feedstocks into refinery processes and advancing SAF production capabilities, MOL Group is positioning itself as a key player in the development of low-carbon fuel solutions. The successful trials at Rijeka further demonstrate how existing refining assets can be transformed to support a more sustainable and resilient energy future while helping the aviation industry move toward its environmental targets.
