MOL Group emerged successful in production tests of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava, the company stated on February 14. Independent laboratory analysis has verified the quality of these alternative fuels, confirming MOL Group's technological readiness for a future of synthetic fuel production.

The Bratislava refinery successfully produced HVO biodiesel using oil derived from cashew nut shells. This biocomponent was then processed alongside crude oil, utilizing MOL Group's established co-processing method. This technique, already employed at the Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta, involves simultaneously processing plant residues with fossil components, effectively reducing emissions from traditional fuels. The resulting HVO diesel underwent rigorous analysis by the Hungarian Isotoptech Zrt laboratory, which confirmed the fuel met the required HVO content standards.

In a parallel achievement, the Bratislava refinery also produced SAF through co-processing. This innovative process involved refining partially refined cooking oil alongside traditional raw materials. The successful test demonstrated the versatility of the refinery's existing aviation kerosene production unit, proving its capability to produce sustainable aviation fuel.

Slovnaft's achievement positions it as a pioneer in SAF production, meeting the stringent quality requirements for this crucial fuel. The European Union's ambitious environmental targets mandate a gradual increase in SAF usage in aviation fuel, starting with 2% this year and escalating to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and ultimately 70% by 2050. These regulations will apply to all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of their destination.

"We are technologically ready to produce both vegetable-based biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel," stated Csaba Zsótér, Senior Vice President, Fuels at MOL Group. "This opens a new chapter in MOL Group's sustainability efforts, allowing us to offer our customers a wider variety and greater quantity of sustainable fuels, contributing significantly to the smart energy transition."

Gabriel Szabó, Vice Chairman of the Slovnaft Management Board and Vice President Downstream of the MOL Group, emphasized the significance of the achievement for the region. "Slovnaft's successful test solidifies our position as a key player in the CEE region. We must preserve and develop our long-standing expertise in chemical production to align with the company's evolving direction and our vision for a sustainable future."

MOL Group and Slovnaft are also actively collaborating with the Faculty of Aeronautics of the Technical University of Košice to further test and optimize SAF aviation fuel. This collaborative approach underscores the company's commitment to advancing sustainable aviation and contributing to a greener future for air travel. MOL Group’s dual success in HVO and SAF production marks a significant step forward in its commitment to a sustainable future, positioning the company as a leader in the development and production of next-generation fuels.