- The Green Refinery project at Porto Marghera is the world's first conversion of a conventional refinery into a bio-refinery.
- The plant produces green diesel, green naphtha, LPG, and potentially jet fuel.
- The EcofiningTM technology was developed with Honeywell-UOP.
- The refinery is currently fed by palm oil, with plans to use biomass.
Green Refinery Project
Eni’s Green Refinery project at Porto Marghera in Venice marks the world’s first conversion of a conventional refinery into a bio-refinery. This facility transforms organic raw materials into high-quality biofuels, including green diesel, green naphtha, LPG, and potentially jet fuel. Initially, the plant is fed by palm oil, with future plans to incorporate biomass.
EcofiningTM Technology
The technological core of the project is EcofiningTM, a system developed in collaboration with Honeywell-UOP at the San Donato Milanese laboratories. This technology has been applied to the catalytic hydro-desulphurisation section of the Venice refinery. EcofiningTM has also enabled the experimental development of biodiesel for the Italian navy’s offshore patrol vessel Foscari, a pioneering effort in the industry.
Economic and Social Impact
The conversion of the refinery holds significant economic and social importance. It allows for the reuse of existing infrastructure, resulting in considerable savings on initial investment. Additionally, the project ensures continued employment through innovation, providing a new lease on life for the plant.
Environmental Benefits
One of the key advantages of this conversion is the marked reduction in emissions. By transforming the refinery to produce biofuels, the project contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production process.
