MOL Group has announced a successful production test of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) at its Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava. This milestone marks a significant step towards commercial production of these sustainable fuels.

Source: Rigzone

Technological Readiness Validated

The production test involved utilizing renewable feedstocks and innovative co-processing techniques. The quality of the HVO produced was rigorously assessed through radioisotope analysis by an independent laboratory, Isotoptech Zrt, confirming the correct ratio of HVO in the final product. This successful trial validates MOL Group's technological preparedness for large-scale production of these alternative fuels.

Innovative Co-processing with Renewable Feedstocks

For the HVO production, MOL Group utilized oil derived from cashew nut shells, showcasing their commitment to exploring and utilizing sustainable feedstocks. This bio-component was then co-processed with crude oil, a technique that the group has successfully implemented at its Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta, Hungary. Co-processing offers a more efficient and environmentally responsible approach by processing bio and fossil components simultaneously, leading to reduced emissions compared to traditional fuel production methods.

Bratislava Refinery

The Bratislava refinery also achieved a breakthrough in SAF production through co-processing. In this instance, partially refined cooking oil, a waste product, was used alongside conventional raw materials to create SAF. This successful experiment demonstrates the versatility of the refinery's existing production unit, which can now produce both standard aviation kerosene and SAF.

MOL Group: A Leader in the Energy Transition

"We are technologically ready to produce biodiesel of vegetable origin as well as sustainable aviation fuel," said Csaba Zsótér, Senior Vice President for Fuels at MOL Group. "This opens a new chapter in MOL Group's sustainability efforts, offering our customers a wider range of cleaner fuels and contributing to the smart energy transition."

Gabriel Szabó, Vice Chairman of the Slovnaft Management Board and Vice President Downstream of the MOL Group, highlighted the strategic significance of this achievement: "The fact that Slovnaft has passed this test confirms our position as a key player in the CEE region. We are committed to preserving and developing our expertise in chemical production, aligning with our vision for a sustainable future."

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

To further advance SAF development and ensure it meets the highest quality and performance standards for aviation use, Slovnaft and MOL Group are collaborating with the Technical University of Kosice's Faculty of Aeronautics for comprehensive SAF testing.

This milestone aligns with the increasing EU environmental targets for SAF, which mandate a gradual increase in SAF usage to 70% by 2050. The group's progress positions them as a key contributor to decarbonizing the aviation sector and strengthening their position in the Central and Eastern European market for sustainable fuels.

MOL Group at Go Net Zero Energy Summit

MOL Group is a Lead Partner of the Go Net Zero Energy - Central and Eastern Europe Summit in Budapest (3-4 April 2025). A large delegation from the company will participate in the event, and attendees will have the opportunity to visit the largest Hydrogen Plant in Europe at the MOL Group Danube Refinery.

This commitment to sustainable practices and active participation in industry events further underscores MOL Group's dedication to leading the energy transition in the region.