-First time SAF produced at INA’s Rijeka Refinery, demonstrating how CLG can help repurpose existing plants for renewable fuel production

Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) announced a successful commercial test for co-processing biogenic feedstocks and fossil feedstocks at INA Group’s Rijeka Refinery in Croatia. Conducted at a CLG-licensed hydrocracking unit, the test marked the refinery’s first-ever production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and also yielded hydrotreated vegetable oil renewable diesel.

“This test-run conducted at INA’s hydrocracker unit, along with several other recent tests by CLG licensees, showcase how our technology can be integrated into customers’ existing infrastructure to co-process a wide range of feedstocks to produce clean fuels,” said Arun Arora, Chief Technology Officer, Chevron Lummus Global. “The results also underscore the flexibility and scalability of our technologies and how they help customers maximize the value of their assets while achieving their sustainability goals.”

Testing involved the co-processing of 1,000 tonnes of 5% palm oil mill effluent (POME) feedstock together with fossil-based feedstocks. The process was certified by the independent certification body Bureau Veritas d.o.o., in accordance with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard for sustainable biofuels.

CLG and INA worked closely prior to the commercial test to address the complexity of processing a new type of feedstock with specific physical and chemical properties. The project involved a range of activities, from procuring special filters and adapting laboratory methods, to increasing the capacity of the hydrocracking and vacuum distillation units and ensuring controlled handling of the biogenic feedstock within existing operational conditions.

INA plans to complete all preparatory activities to be ready for the continuous market supply of sustainable aviation fuel by 2029.

About Chevron Lummus Global

Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), a joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Lummus Technology, is a leading technology provider for the production of renewable and conventional transportation fuels, premium base oils, and sustainable petrochemicals from a wide range of feedstocks. Powered by cutting-edge catalysts and innovative reactor internals, CLG’s portfolio is designed to optimize efficiency and flexibility while minimizing emissions and maximizing economic returns.

About INA Group

The Group comprises a number of companies either partially or fully owned by the company INA, d.d. The registered office of the company is at Avenija Većeslava Holjevca 10, Zagreb, Croatia. On December 31, 2023 INA Group had 9,476 employees. The Group holds a dominant position in oil business in Croatia; it is a leader in oil and gas exploration and production, in oil processing and in oil and oil derivatives distribution.