MOL is conducting geothermal energy exploration and has carried out 3D seismic surveys in and around the Danube Refinery to assess the potential for geothermal energy utilization. The aim is to determine whether there is high-temperature groundwater in the area that could be harnessed to make the refinery’s operations more sustainable.​

The purpose of surveys is to examine whether the surroundings of the Danube Refinery possess geothermal characteristics that could contribute to improving the refinery’s energy efficiency. If sufficient quantities of thermal water with the right temperature can be identified at the appropriate location and depth, it could significantly support the refinery’s energy needs.

The results of the analyses are expected to be available in about six months. If the findings are promising, further feasibility studies will follow.

"The geothermal exploration area granted to MOL includes Százhalombatta and the Danube Refinery. Therefore, in addition to mapping the entire area, it is logical to specifically examine the geothermal potential of the refinery’s surroundings” - said Dávid Kapes, Head of Group E&P Low Carbon & New Energies.

"The green transition starts with reducing emissions from our own operations. After building a solar park and commissioning the green hydrogen plant at the Danube Refinery, we are now experimenting with utilizing the Earth’s heat. I am particularly pleased that we can do this in collaboration with another MOL business unit, Exploration and Production” - added Krisztián Pulay, Group DS Production and Development SVP.

The modern, widely proven 3D seismic technology works similarly to medical ultrasound: artificially generated vibration waves reflect off various subsurface layers, enabling the creation of a three-dimensional image of underground geological structures—allowing experts to “see” beneath the surface.

Applying geothermal energy in a refinery setting would be pioneering in the region, and even globally, there are only a few such projects in operation.

About MOL Group

MOL Group is an international, integrated oil, gas, petrochemicals and consumer retail company, headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. It is active in over 30 countries with a dynamic international workforce of 25,000 people and a track record of more than 100 years. MOL Group operates three refineries and two petrochemical plants under integrated supply chain-management in Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia, and owns a network of almost 2400 service stations across 10 countries in Central & South-Eastern Europe. MOL’s exploration and production activities are supported by more than 85 years’ experience in the field of hydrocarbons and 30 years in the injection of CO2. At the moment, there are production activities in 8 countries and exploration assets in 9 countries. MOL is committed to transform its traditional fossil-fuel-based operations into a low-carbon, sustainable business model and aspires to become net carbon neutral by 2050 while shaping the low-carbon circular economy in Central and Eastern Europe.