ORLEN launches sales of HVO100 biofuel in Germany

The ORLEN Group has officially launched sales of its second-generation biofuel, HVO100, at two service stations in Germany, marking a significant step in its sustainability efforts. HVO100, produced from vegetable oils and waste products like used cooking oil, has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional fossil fuels. This biofuel can be used in most diesel engines without modifications, making it a practical and eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

Currently, HVO100 is available at two locations: Boizenburg on the Elbe and Achim near Bremen, with plans to expand sales to more stations across Germany. The ORLEN Group is also preparing for HVO100 sales in the Czech Republic, with wholesale operations expected to begin in early 2025. 

In Poland, legislative efforts are underway to define the quality standards for HVO100, allowing its future availability in the local market. Meanwhile, ORLEN is constructing a production facility in Płock, Poland, with a capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year, which will process rapeseed oil, used cooking oil, and their blends. The facility is also set to support the production of HEFA bio-components for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

HEFA stands for hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, which is a type of renewable fuel made from biological feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste oils. HEFA fuels are produced through a process called hydroprocessing, where the fatty acids or esters in these feedstocks are treated with hydrogen in a refinery to create high-quality fuels like renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

HEFA is one of the leading technologies used in producing biofuels, particularly in the aviation industry, to help meet goals for reducing carbon emissions.

This move aligns with ORLEN’s broader strategy to expand its range of sustainable fuels and reduce CO2 emissions across its markets.

The ORLEN Group is a major Polish multinational energy and petrochemical company, and one of the largest oil refiners in Central and Eastern Europe. It is headquartered in Płock, Poland. The company operates across various sectors including oil refining, petrochemicals, retail fuel stations, and renewable energy. ORLEN Group is known for its integrated business model, covering the entire value chain from crude oil extraction and refining to distribution and sales.