In 2023, according to International Energy Agency, aviation was responsible for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions; between 2000 and 2019, aviation emissions grew faster than rail, road or maritime transport. According to European CommissionFor example, a person flying from Lisbon to New York and back generates roughly the same level of emissions as an average EU citizen by heating their home for a whole year. One of the most important existing solutions to the emissions problem is the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, part of the Fit for 55 initiative, requires the use of sustainable aviation fuels at EU airports of at least 2% from January 1, 2025 and a gradual increase in the use of SAF to 6% from 2030.
How is Romania adapting to these requirements?
O recent news announces that airplanes at Cluj International Airport have started using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by OMV Petrom. From January 2025, aircraft taking off from Cluj Airport, the second largest airport in Romania, will be fueled with jet fuel blended with 2% SAF, thus reducing the environmental impact. Nearly 1800 flights were operated in January and February using this fuel, fully covering all take-offs from the airport, the article said. "Together with our supplier OMV Petrom, we have managed to start the process whereby, aircraft operating flights at Cluj International Airport will be fueled with sustainable aircraft fuels. This is another important goal that we have achieved to fulfill our commitments to reduce carbon emissions and support less polluting air transportation", said David Ciceo, General Manager, Cluj International Airport. OMV Petrom will also supply sustainable fuel to 3 other airports in the country, according to a contract signed with TAROM in November 2024. They are Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, Traian Vuia International Airport in Timisoara and Iasi International Airport.
What are sustainable aviation fuels and how are they produced?
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are made by processing renewable raw materials such as waste oils and animal fats. Production involves advanced refining processes, green hydrogen is used and the resulting fuel has similar characteristics to kerosene.
FAS production in Romania In February 2025, OMV Petrom announced starting work to a sustainable fuels unit at Petrobrazi. The new sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) unit will have an annual production capacity of 250,000 tons of sustainable fuels, starting in 2028. The €750 million investment targets the production of sustainable fuels and the creation of two green hydrogen units. "Sustainable fuels are essential for decarbonizing transport, especially in sectors where electrification is difficult to implement, such as aviation. In the period 2022-2030, we will direct 35% of our investment budget to projects that support the energy transition, in Romania and in the region," said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom.
Benefits of FAS The benefits of using sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) include:
- Compatibility with existing engines and infrastructure - SAF can be combined with conventional fuels for use in existing aircraft and infrastructure.
- Fewer emissions - Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94%.
- Flexibility - SAF is a replacement for conventional jet fuel, allowing the use of multiple products from different raw materials and production technologies.
Source:
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- IEA (International Energy Agency): Read the article
- Climate Action - European Commission: Read the article
- Economedia: Read the article
- Bucharest Stock Exchange: Read the article
- OMV Petrom: Read the article
- Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC): Read the article
