OMV Petrom begins construction of Southeast Europe’s first major sustainable fuel facility

OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeastern Europe, has officially begun construction on a sustainable fuel production unit at its Petrobrazi refinery in Romania. The facility, backed by a €750 million investment, is designed to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel. With an annual capacity of 250,000 tons of sustainable fuels, the new unit will position OMV Petrom as the first major low-carbon fuel producer in Southeast Europe.

The project is part of the company’s broader energy transition strategy, aligning with European Union climate goals aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The new unit is expected to be operational by 2028, reinforcing OMV Petrom’s role in the development of sustainable fuel production within the region.

What is OMV Petrom’s investment strategy for energy transition?

As part of its long-term sustainability vision, OMV Petrom is investing significantly in renewable energy solutions. The Petrobrazi refinery transformation includes the integration of two green hydrogen production facilities, further enhancing its commitment to low-emission mobility solutions.

The €750 million investment is divided into two key areas: €560 million is allocated for the construction of the SAF/HVO unit, while €190 million will fund the development of green hydrogen infrastructure. This approach ensures that the refinery can adapt to evolving market demands while contributing to a decarbonized transportation sector.

OMV Petrom CEO Christina Verchere emphasized that sustainable fuel production is an integral part of the company’s Strategy 2030, which prioritizes carbon reduction technologies. She noted that sustainable aviation fuel plays a critical role in reducing emissions in hard-to-electrify sectors, such as aviation.

Radu Căprău, a member of OMV Petrom’s Executive Board overseeing Refining and Marketing, highlighted that the investment strengthens the Petrobrazi refinery transformation, positioning it as a leader in low-emission fuel production. He stated that advanced refining technologies will be key to ensuring that the refinery remains competitive while supporting Europe’s transition toward renewable fuel alternatives.

How will the new Petrobrazi unit contribute to reducing emissions?

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) are produced using renewable feedstocks, such as used cooking oils and animal fats. These raw materials undergo advanced refining processes using green hydrogen, allowing them to achieve properties similar to conventional kerosene and diesel.

One of the primary benefits of these low-carbon fuels is their potential to reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. SAF and HVO can cut carbon emissions by at least 65% compared to fossil fuels, offering an immediate solution for reducing transportation sector emissions. This makes them a key component of sustainable fuel production, particularly in aviation and heavy-duty transport, where electrification remains a challenge.

The Petrobrazi refinery transformation will introduce technological flexibility, enabling OMV Petrom to adjust raw material sourcing and product output based on market demand. This adaptability ensures a stable supply of sustainable fuel production while accommodating changes in renewable feedstock availability.

What role does the European Union play in sustainable fuel adoption?

OMV Petrom’s investment aligns with the European Commission’s SAF targets, which require EU airports to use 6% SAF by 2030 and 70% by 2050. These regulatory benchmarks are designed to support the aviation industry’s transition to low-emission fuel solutions while ensuring that fuel production meets sustainability criteria.

By establishing itself as a major producer of sustainable fuels, OMV Petrom is well-positioned to contribute to these targets, reinforcing its role in decarbonizing the aviation industry. The company’s investment in SAF and HVO production represents a critical step toward achieving carbon neutrality within the transportation sector.

How is OMV Petrom expanding its low-emission mobility solutions?

Beyond its investment in sustainable fuel production, OMV Petrom is also focusing on expanding its electric vehicle charging network. The company aims to install over 5,000 EV charging stations across Romania by 2030, a significant increase from the 900 currently in operation. This initiative is part of its broader commitment to low-emission mobility solutions, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of Europe’s energy transition.

OMV Petrom has also maintained a long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility, having invested approximately €190 million since 2007 in initiatives supporting environmental sustainability, education, healthcare, and local development.

Who is responsible for engineering and construction at the Petrobrazi refinery?

John Wood Group PLC has secured a major contract with OMV Petrom to oversee the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) for the Petrobrazi refinery transformation. This follows the company’s successful completion of the front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase for the project.

The new SAF production unit will integrate Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ process technology, a cutting-edge system designed to convert renewable feedstocks into low-carbon fuels. This advanced technology is expected to enhance fuel efficiency while ensuring that OMV Petrom’s refinery meets the highest environmental and operational standards.

Ken Gilmartin, CEO of Wood, emphasized the company’s longstanding partnership with OMV Petrom and its role in delivering low-carbon fuel infrastructure. He noted that Wood’s expertise in engineering and execution positions it well to support Petrobrazi’s refinery transformation, making it the first major producer of sustainable fuels in Southeast Europe.

The construction of OMV Petrom’s sustainable fuel production unit is a significant milestone in the company’s energy transition strategy, reinforcing its role in low-emission fuel production while supporting the broader European objective of reducing transportation sector emissions.