The ORLEN network of filling stations has begun offering a fully synthetic fuel known as hydrotreated vegetable oil with 100% purity (HVO100). This innovative fuel is derived from vegetable oils and byproducts from the food and catering industries, including used cooking oil.

Source: ORLEN Unipetrol

It can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels, aligning perfectly with the ORLEN Unipetrol Group’s long-term goals for sustainable development and carbon emission reduction. Pilot sales commenced at the ORLEN filling station in Rokycany, Czechia, with plans to expand sales to other stations across the Czech Republic and include this fuel in the ORLEN Unipetrol Group’s wholesale offerings in the first quarter of next year.

Our strategic ambition is to cut CO2 emissions by 25% by 2030 compared to 2019 and reach a net zero by 2050. We are implementing many decarbonisation projects in industry and transport to accomplish these goals. Besides building the infrastructure for battery- and hydrogen-driven e-mobility, we start selling advanced biofuels at ORLEN filling stations, which enable our customers to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. These activities are a part of our strategy focused on lowering emissions and using renewable sources. They also comply with the EU RED III directive and the National Plan for Pure Mobility of the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic.

This synthetic diesel, suitable for both passenger cars and trucks, is currently available at the Rokycany ORLEN filling station and will be rolled out to additional locations gradually. Alongside retail sales, ORLEN Unipetrol intends to incorporate HVO100 into its wholesale fuel portfolio at the start of next year.

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a contemporary fuel type boasting a cetane rating exceeding 70, which results in improved starting, smoother operation, and reduced emissions compared to conventional diesel. Its high chemical purity helps protect engines and filters, making it suitable for cold weather and allowing for extended storage times. HVO100 is compatible with the vast majority of diesel engines without requiring any technical modifications. Newer engines even have approval for this fuel type, indicated by the “XTL” designation on the tank lid.

Additionally, HVO can be utilized in railway transport. In partnership with Czech Railways, ORLEN Unipetrol is currently testing its application in Pesa motor units of the 847 RegioFox series. This project, planned for 2024 and 2025, aims to significantly lower GHG emissions in railway transport.

The composition of HVO aligns with an oil diesel fraction and adheres to the ČSN EN 15940 standard as well as the European Parliament and Council Directive (EU) 2009/30/EC regarding market fuel quality. The quality of HVO varies depending on its source, influenced by the cleaning method, hydrogen consumption, and emissions footprint. When HVO is produced from a vegetable source specifically cultivated for fuel production, the overall emissions footprint accounts for all associated activities, still achieving a notable reduction of 60-65% in CO2 equivalent emissions compared to fossil fuels. If the feedstock includes used vegetable oils or fats, along with waste materials, emissions savings can reach up to 90-95% compared to oil-derived fuels.

The international ORLEN filling station network, which spans 3,500 locations across seven European countries, offers this renewable fuel in Czechia and Germany, specifically in Boizenburg on the Elbe and Achim near Bremen. Sales in Poland are currently being prepared.