A significant step for the future. Slovnaft has produced HVO and SAF

• SLOVNAFT, a.s., has produced a diesel fuel containing biodiesel of plant origin HVO and a sustainable aviation fuel SAF in a production test
• successful production test confirms that Slovnaft is technologically ready for the production of this type of alternative fuels
• the quality of the products has been confirmed by the independent specialist laboratory ISOTOPTECH ZRT

BRATISLAVA, 12 February 2025 - Slovnaft, a member of MOL Group, has produced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its Bratislava refinery. The quality of the products has been verified by radioisotope analysis by the independent institute ISOTOPTECH ZRT. Slovnaft has thus confirmed its technological readiness for the production of alternative synthetic fuels, which is part of MOL Group's long-term Shape tomorrow strategy.

Biodiesel HVO of vegetable origin was produced by Slovnaft at the end of last year. "The production test was carried out on a production unit that is also used for the production of conventional diesel fuel. We produced the product using the co-processing method, when we processed both fossil and biological raw material at the same time. We used oil from cashew nut shells as the feedstock," says Róbert Hurný, Director of Downstream Development. The presence of biodiesel in the diesel fuel was confirmed by radioisotope analysis by the Hungarian ISOTOPTECH ZRT laboratory.

In a production test, the company was able to produce biodiesel containing HVO by combining the feedstock biosolids with the fossil component directly during production. Both components were processed simultaneously in the production facility. The result is a fuel that contains two components in the required ratio, namely biodiesel and conventional fossil diesel.

At the same time, Slovnaft Refinery conducted another production test, which produced a sustainable aviation fuel. In this case, the feedstock used was partially refined cooking oil. Sustainable aviation fuel – SAF was also produced by co-processing in a production unit used for the production of standard aviation kerosene. "Also in the case of SAF production, the test can be considered a success. The good news is that we can produce it on our existing production unit," said Róbert Hurný.

The refinery has been preparing for production tests for about a year. "During the tests, we needed to monitor the response of our production facilities to the process. The second part was to analyse the quality of the output product," added Róbert Hurný. By successfully completing the production tests, Slovnaft has shown that it is technologically ready to produce biodiesel of vegetable origin as well as sustainable aviation fuel.

"The fact that Slovnaft has passed this test is a confirmation of our position as an important player in the CEE region. The competence in chemical production that we have acquired over the long history of the company must be preserved and developed in line with where the company is moving and what kind of future we want to create," said Gabriel Szabó, Vice Chairman of the Slovnaft Management Board and Vice President Downstream of the MOL Group.

The production of these types of fuels reflects legislative trends and future developments. Currently, very few refineries in the world produce SAF. Slovnaft has thus become one of the first refineries capable of producing aviation fuel meeting the quality requirements set for SAF. In the context of EU environmental targets, SAF is to account for 2% of total aviation fuel consumption from this year, with this percentage gradually increasing each year. The share of SAF is to increase to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035 and 70% by 2050. These requirements will apply to all flights originating in the EU, regardless of destination. Slovnaft, as well as the MOL Group, also cooperate with the Faculty of Aeronautics of the Technical University of Košice in the testing of SAF aviation fuel.

About SLOVNAFT Group

SLOVNAFT Group is an integrated refining and petrochemical group. The key company is SLOVNAFT, a.s., which is mainly engaged in the processing of crude oil in one of the most complex European refineries, as well as in the wholesale and retail sale of fuels. Slovnaft operates the largest network of service stations in Slovakia. The company is one of the leaders in CSR and corporate philanthropy, significantly supporting sports, culture, education, youth and environmental revitalisation. Forbes magazine ranked Slovnaft among the most valuable Slovak brands. SLOVNAFT Group is a member of the international MOL Group, whose long-term Shape Tomorrow Strategy aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. The Group aims to focus on renewable fuels, promoting different forms of mobility, green investments and creating value from waste.

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