ZAGREB, 17 July (Hina) - Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an alternative fuel  that reduces emissions from air transportation, has been produced at the Rijeka Oil Refinery for the first time, the INA company stated.

As part of efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and align with EU renewable energy regulations, INA successfully completed a pilot project processing bio-feedstock at its hydrocracking unit. In addition to SAF, a significant quantity of renewable diesel fuel (HVO – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) was also produced.

The European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive mandates ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable sources in transport.

By 2030, member states must ensure a specific share of renewables in the transport sector, with a particular focus on advanced biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel, both of which are key to decarbonising the aviation industry.

In response, INA plans to complete all preparatory activities and be ready for continuous market supply of SAF by 2029.

The project was carried out in cooperation with the refinery’s technology licensor, Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), with the goal of testing the processing of 5% POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent - a by-product of palm oil production) mixed with fossil feedstocks.

The pilot project was run from 5 to 13 May 2025, during which 1,000 tonnes of bio-feedstock were processed.

The entire process was certified by independent auditor Bureau Veritas, in accordance with the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) standard for sustainable biofuels.