OMV Petrom invests EUR750M in sustainable aviation fuels production

OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeast Europe, has announced a significant investment of approximately EUR750 million (USD803 million) to transform its Petrobrazi refinery into the region’s first major producer of sustainable fuels. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader commitment to a lower-carbon future.

The investment will fund the construction of a plant dedicated to producing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO), as well as two green hydrogen production facilities. Starting in 2028, these new installations are expected to supply around 250,000 tonnes of sustainable fuels annually.

Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, stated, “We are moving forward with our transformation. In addition to our new renewable power projects, today we have taken a decisive step towards decarbonising transport in Romania. By 2030, we’re committing EUR11 billion (USD11.78 billion) to transform the company for a lower carbon future both in Romania and the region.”

Radu Căprău, OMV Petrom Executive Board Member responsible for Refining and Marketing, highlighted the growing demand for low-carbon transport solutions: “Together with electromobility, biofuels are the answer to low carbon transport. Thanks to the investments we announced today, we will be able to replace imports with biofuels produced here in Romania. For our customers, this means product certainty and less carbon emissions.”

New production facilities

The SAF/HVO production facility, representing a EUR560 million (USD599 million)investment, will have an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes. This plant will also produce by-products like bio-naphtha and bio-LPG for the chemical industry. The facility’s high flexibility will allow it to adjust its product mix based on market demand and available feedstock.

To support this production, OMV Petrom will invest EUR190 million (USD203 million in two green hydrogen units, with up to EUR50 million (USD53 million) funded through European funds under the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (NPRR). These units will have a combined capacity of 55 MW, producing around 8,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. Integrating green hydrogen into sustainable fuels will result in at least a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional fuels.

To ensure a steady supply of raw materials for biofuels, OMV Petrom has acquired a 50% stake in “Respiră Verde,” a leading Romanian company in used cooking oil collection. “Respiră Verde” collects up to 10,000 tonnes of used edible oil per year from sectors such as hospitality and retail.