Croatia’s INA pilots SAF production
Croatia’s INA-Industrija nafte said it has successfully piloted sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by processing biogenic feedstock at the Hydrocracking Unit of the Rijeka Refinery.
In addition to SAF, the refiner also produced renewable diesel (HVO – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) at the site.
INA plans to complete all preparatory activities and ensure continuous supply of SAF to the market by 2029.
The project was implemented in cooperation with the unit’s licensor, Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), with the aim of testing the co-processing of 5% POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent – a by-product of palm oil production) with fossil feedstocks.
The pilot project was carried out between May to 5 to 13, during which 1,000 tonnes of biogenic feedstock were processed.
The process was certified by the independent auditor Bureau Veritas in line with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard for sustainable biofuels.
“Processing biogenic feedstock within existing infrastructure is one of the most efficient ways to decarbonise refinery operations and increase the share of renewables in the transport sector. Thanks to the commitment of our internal team and the collaboration with partners from MOL Group and CLG, we have successfully created the necessary preconditions to meet the future needs of the market and our customers”, said Ivica Jerbić, director of development at INA.
The preparation of the pilot project took eight months and involved a range of activities, from procuring specialised filters and adapting laboratory methods to increasing the capacities of the Hydrocracking and Vacuum Distillation units and ensuring controlled handling of the biogenic feedstock within existing operating conditions.
“This pilot project has created the foundation for further activities and the introduction of continuous biogenic feedstock processing at the Rijeka Refinery in the near future. With this project, INA continues to innovate and efficiently adapt to the requirements of the new energy era”, concluded Goran Pleše, operating director of Refining and Marketing at INA.