Orlen Unipetrol launches pilot renewable diesel sales in Czech Republic

Orlen Unipetrol Group, the largest refining and petrochemical company in the Czech Republic, announced Oct. 22 that it has begun offering 100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100), also known as renewable diesel.

The pilot sales were launched at the Orlen filling station in Rokycany, Czechia.

Expanding the sales to other filling stations in the Czech Republic and including the fuel in the Orlen Unipetrol Group’s wholesale offer is planned for the first quarter of next year.

“Our strategic ambition is to cut CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 and reach net zero by 2050,” said Agnieszka Bobrukiewicz, a member of the board of directors of the Orlen Unipetrol Group responsible for retail and marketing management. “We are implementing many decarbonization projects in industry and transport to accomplish these goals. Besides building the infrastructure for battery- and hydrogen-driven e-mobility, we started selling advanced biofuels at Orlen filling stations, which enables our customers to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. These activities are a part of our strategy focused on lowering emissions and using renewable sources. They also comply with the EU RED III directive and the National Plan for Pure Mobility of the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic.”

HVO100 is a modern type of fuel with a cetane rating of over 70.

It provides better starting, smoother operation and lower emissions than conventional diesel fuel.

The fuel protects engines and filters thanks to a high chemical purity.

It is suited for cold weather and has longer storage times.

The HVO100 is compatible with a clear majority of diesel engines without any technical modification.

The new engines are even approved for this fuel type, noted with the “XTL” designation on the tank lid.

Renewable diesel can also be used in railway transport.

In cooperation with Czech Railways, Orlen Unipetrol is testing its use in Pesa motor units, 847 RegioFox series.

The project scheduled for this year and next aims to lower greenhouse-gas emissions in railway transport by dozens of percent.

The international network of Orlen filling stations, which comprises 3,500 sites in seven European countries, offers this renewable fuel in Czechia and Germany.

Sales in Poland are being prepared.

In 2005, Orlen Unipetrol became part of the Orlen Group, the largest energy company in Central Europe.