European Chemical Industry News & Insights

OMV Petrom Invests EUR 750 Million to Produce Sustainable Fuels in Southeast Europe

At a glance
  • Investment of EUR 750 million at Petrobrazi to produce sustainable fuels by 2028
  • Production capacity of 250 kt/year for SAF and HVO
  • EUR 190 million investment in two green hydrogen units with 55 MW capacity
  • Green hydrogen integration to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 70%

Investment and Production

OMV Petrom is investing approximately EUR 750 million at the Petrobrazi refinery to become the first major producer of sustainable fuels in Southeast Europe. The investment includes the construction of a plant for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO), along with two green hydrogen production units. Starting in 2028, the company aims to supply around 250 kt/year of sustainable fuels.

SAF/HVO Production Facility

The SAF/HVO production facility will cost EUR 560 million and have a production capacity of 250 kt/year. It will also produce by-products like bio-naphtha and bio-LPG, which are used in the chemical industry. The plant's high flexibility allows for adjusting the product mix based on market demand and available feedstock. The facility will consume about 11 kt of hydrogen annually, mostly supplied by the new green hydrogen units.

Green Hydrogen Units

The two green hydrogen units will require an investment of approximately EUR 190 million, with up to EUR 50 million funded through the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (NPRR). These units will have a total capacity of 55 MW and an annual production of around 8 kt of green hydrogen. Integrating green hydrogen into sustainable fuels will result in at least a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional fuels.

Raw Material Sourcing

To ensure a reliable source of raw materials for biofuel production, OMV Petrom has acquired a 50% stake in "Respiră Verde," a leader in collecting used cooking oil in Romania. "Respiră Verde" collects up to 10 kt of used edible oil per year from sectors such as hospitality and retail.