This move advances the decarbonization of the aviation sector by offering a fuel that drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle.
ORLEN, a leading multi-energy company, has taken a significant stride towards a greener aviation future by introducing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to its commercial offering at key Polish airports. Aircraft departing from Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków, and Katowice can now refuel with this innovative fuel, which promises a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from both its production and combustion.
The strategic launch underscores ORLEN's commitment to its 2035 strategy, which prioritizes the expansion of its product portfolio while addressing the urgent need for decarbonization across both supply and demand chains
SAF is distinguished by its production from renewable or waste-derived feedstocks, adhering to strict sustainability criteria that prevent deforestation or the depletion of vital food and water resources. These feedstocks can include a diverse range of materials such as used cooking oils, as well as municipal, industrial, agricultural, and forestry waste. Crucially, the renewable component of SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel, making it fully compatible with existing aircraft engine technologies. This seamless integration allows for immediate adoption by airlines, facilitating an instant reduction in emissions from flight operations. SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% throughout its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel, depending on the feedstock and production method.
The introduction of SAF has been met with enthusiasm from key stakeholders in the Polish aviation sector.
Beyond its environmental benefits, ORLEN's introduction of SAF is also a proactive measure to comply with the European Union's ambitious ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. This regulation mandates that sustainable aviation fuels must constitute at least 2% of total jet fuel sales by 2025, with further increments planned to reach 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and a significant 70% by 2050. The regulation applies to EU airports that handled over 800,000 passengers or 100,000 tonnes of cargo in the preceding year.
To meet the increasing demand and regulatory obligations, ORLEN is actively developing a hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) facility at its Plock refinery. This facility will enable the domestic production of aviation fuel from used cooking oils, reducing reliance on imported SAF components. The HVO project, with an estimated value of over PLN 1.4 billion, is slated for completion in 2025. Until the facility becomes operational, ORLEN will continue to source SAF components from abroad.
