OMV, Tarom team up for SAF supply
Austrian multinational energy firm OMV announced that it has signed an agreement with Romania’s national airline TAROM to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ahead of the EU’s Refuel mandate kicking in at the start of next year.
The fuel supply to Tarom will begin from January 1st of 2025 at four airports in Romania at Henri Coandă International Airport Bucharest, Avram Iancu International Airport Cluj, Traian Vuia International Airport Timișoara and Iași International Airport.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with TAROM, a long-standing relationship between two significant Romanian companies. This strengthens our business ties and underscores our commitment to sustainable transport. OMV Petrom is committed to applying European standards and achieving targets for a more sustainable future,” said Radu Căprău, member of the OMV Petrom Executive Board, responsible for Refining and Marketing.
“As part of Strategy 2030, we plan the largest investment in the decarbonization of transportation in Romania, over 1 billion euro, including through the development of renewable fuels. This year, we took the final investment decision to build, at the Petrobrazi refinery, a production capacity of 250 kt/year of biodiesel and SAF, which is expected to enter production in 2028”.
Tarom will become the first airline in the region to begin using SAF in operations. The airline aims to reduce its emissions.
“We are at a point when sustainability is becoming a central factor for the entire aviation industry, with the requirements for using SAF coming into effect in 2025. We are pleased to be among the leading companies in this initiative, with the support of OMV Petrom. Accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuels is essential if we are to meet the environmental targets set for 2030, and the introduction of SAF for the TAROM fleet represents our firm commitment to adhering to European objectives,” said Costin Iordache, general director of TAROM.
As part of the European Union’s ‘Fit for 55’ initiative, the RefuelEU Aviation Regulation introduces the requirement to use SAF at a rate of 2% starting 2025, with a gradual increase to 70% by 2050 (6% in 2030). It also mandates fuel suppliers to provide sustainable aviation fuel at airports within the European Union. This regulation, applicable to all member states, aims to support the transition to low-emission aviation and encourages the use of SAF as the main element for decarbonizing the aviation sector.