The Rijeka oil refinery has produced sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) for the first time as part of a pilot project by the firm INA. The move supports reducing carbonisation and marks a key step towards cleaner air transport, AMAN reports.
The trial was conducted using a feedstock blend that included 5% palm oil mill effluent (Pome), a by-product of palm oil production, mixed with fossil-based inputs.
“This successful trial marks an important step forward in our commitment to cleaner energy and reducing emissions in the transport sector,” INA stated.
A total of 1,000t of bio-feedstock was processed during the test run, which was carried out in collaboration with US-based Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), the technology provider for the refinery.
The initiative, carried out at the refinery’s hydrocracking unit, also yielded hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a form of renewable diesel.
The process was audited and certified by Bureau Veritas under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.
INA says the project aligns with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive, which requires member states to increase the share of renewables in transport and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through advanced biofuels and Saf targets by 2030.
The firm aims to complete all necessary steps to begin commercial Saf production by 2029.
What you should know
Saf production has been steadily increasing over the years as aviation companies seek low-carbon fuel solutions.
Life cycle assessments show thaw fuel can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, making it one of the most impactful tools in the global decarbonization toolkit.
Globally, Saf production this year is projected to double to 2m tons, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Despite this positive outlook, the fuel still accounts for an abysmal share of 0.7% of total fuel consumption by airlines.