INA’s Rijeka refinery has successfully produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time, converting a blend of renewable feedstock during a pilot operation at its existing hydrocracking facility. This trial also resulted in significant volumes of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel, marking a major step forward in the refinery’s transition to low-carbon fuel production.
As part of the European Union’s renewable energy goals, member states are required to increase the share of advanced biofuels and SAF in the transport sector by 2030. To meet these obligations, INA plans to finalize all necessary preparations and begin regular SAF production by 2029, aligning with the EU’s broader decarbonization strategy for aviation.
The pilot run, conducted between 5 and 13 May, processed 1,000 tons of palm oil mill effluent, accounting for 5 percent of the total feedstock used alongside conventional crude. The hydrocracking technology was licensed by Chevron Lummus Global, and the final products were certified by Bureau Veritas under the ISCC sustainability standard.
Realizing the pilot required eight months of intensive planning and adaptation. This included sourcing specialized filters, adjusting laboratory protocols, and upgrading the hydrocracker and vacuum distillation units. INA’s Central Testing Laboratory collected over 400 samples for detailed analysis, with carbon-14 testing carried out in accredited laboratories in Zagreb and Debrecen.
Ivica Jerbic, INA’s Development Director, stated that the pilot demonstrates how existing refinery infrastructure can be repurposed to reduce carbon emissions and boost the use of renewable components in transportation fuels. The initiative benefited from collaboration with MOL Group partners and key technology providers.
INA’s operational team sees this successful trial as a crucial step toward sustained biosourced fuel production at the Rijeka site. With upgrades proceeding on schedule, the refinery is expected to integrate SAF into its regular output, strengthening INA’s long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions and emissions reduction.
