Renewable energy

Renewable energy sources are not only intended to play an increasing role in our product portfolio in a long-term, but can be also used for the sake of our operations to reduce GHG emissions and improve our competitiveness.

Renewable energy sources at Refining, Hungary

One of the main elements of the SD action plan of Refining and Marketing division is to increase ratio of renewable energy in our refinery systems. This goal can be achieved by utilizing wind energy, solar energy or to produce biogas from organic wastes and other biomass. The project started in 2008 aims at analysing all three possibilities and then implementing the technically and economically feasible options. The project is based on feasibility studies that allow the more accurate estimation of the investment cost and implementation schedule. Work is in progress to launch pilot demonstration projects for gaining experience.

Biogas production: we prepared a feasibility study to examine the possibility of utilizing the organic sludge of Duna Refinery wastewater treatment plant, organic industrial by-products (like glycerol and soap water from biodiesel JV plants), and other organic communal waste as feedstock for biogas production. Furthermore, we studied the opportunity of using the produced biogas as heating gas in Duna Refinery.

Wind energy utilization: We prepared feasibility study to measure the wind speed and set up a wind map in order to define the potential location for a wind turbine in our refineries and examined the possibility of utilizing wind energy in Százhalombatta and Tiszaújváros. The partner for the implementation has been selected, we are now considering the appropriate time to start the investment..

Solar energy utilization: The project objective is to utilize solar energy in MOL Duna Refinery, through hot water and lighting electricity generation). The technical assessment has been done and buildings have been selected. A tender has also been conducted for big hot water consuming buildings (like kitchen, dressing rooms) and for solar cells above some parking places to generate 23 kW electricity which covers the public lighting consumption of the Duna Refinery from the northern gate to the industrial crossing gates.

Building up a renewable product portfolio
Besides these efforts to use renewable energy for our own operations, we consider renewable sources as potential part of our future product portfolio. Find out more here.