Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was produced for the first time at Croatia’s Rijeka Oil Refinery. INA announced this milestone in its efforts to reduce emissions and support cleaner air travel.
The pilot project aimed to align with European Union’s renewable energy goals. It involved processing bio-feedstock in the refinery’s hydrocracking unit. Along with SAF, INA also produced renewable diesel fuel called hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
This move responds to the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The directive requires member states to increase renewable energy in transport. It also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The directive sets targets for advanced biofuels and SAF by 2030.
INA plans to start regular SAF production by 2029. They are preparing all necessary steps to meet this goal.
The pilot project was a collaboration with Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), the technology provider. They tested processing a blend with 5% POME, a palm oil by-product. The test ran from May 5 to 13, 2025. During this time, 1,000 tonnes of bio-feedstock were processed.
Bureau Veritas, an independent auditor, certified the process under the ISCC standard. This confirms the sustainability of the biofuels produced.
INA said, “This successful trial is an important step toward cleaner energy.” It shows their commitment to reducing transport emissions and promoting sustainable fuels.
