Renewable, alternative energy products
In the field of fuels, Petrol's policy is environmentally oriented, adhering to all sustainability criteria. Our operations, including the introduction of alternative fuels, are and will continue to be proactive, while simultaneously respecting economic principles, regulations, and the financial sustainability required of business entities.
The goals of decarbonization require the search for and use of alternatives to conventional petroleum-based fuels. These alternatives primarily include low- or zero-carbon energy sources derived from renewables such as wind, solar, and water. Since their use is linked to technological solutions, despite significant progress in the use of electricity as a propulsion energy source in transport, conventional fuels will still need to be used for some time.
At Petrol, we recognize the importance of alternative fuels. Therefore, alongside investments in clean and renewable energy sources (wind, solar, and hydropower), we actively seek more environmentally friendly solutions for conventional motor engines. These undoubtedly include sustainable biofuels, natural gas, partially liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity from renewable energy sources.
We reduce fuel emissions for transport through various measures, including:
• Additional fuel additivation – This reduces fuel consumption by optimizing engine performance, leading to cleaner combustion processes. As a result, we lower both CO2 emissions and harmful compounds (CO, CH, NOx) produced during combustion.
• Use of biofuels and fuels with lower emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels – This primarily reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated throughout the fuel's lifecycle per unit of energy (expressed in g CO2/MJ). Alternative fuels in this category include liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas for vehicle propulsion.
• Use of conventional fuels blended with biofuels.
CO2 and other emissions generated during the combustion of fuels in internal combustion engines can also be reduced when using conventional petroleum fuels (diesel, gasoline). A key role in this process is played by fuel additivation and the use or combination of advanced biofuels, which can make these fuels more environmentally friendly.
The Renewable Energy Directive for transport requires fuel suppliers to gradually replace petroleum-based fuels with appropriate alternative fuels. These are fuels that are partially or entirely derived from renewable sources and are more environmentally friendly in terms of emissions. Petrol fulfills this obligation primarily by blending biofuels with fossil fuels.
This commitment is demonstrated by Petrol's Q Max fuel family, which reduces fuel consumption and, consequently, emissions. Compared to standard fuels, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 4.5%. The Q Max iQ Diesel, introduced to the market at the end of 2019, reduces CO2 emissions by an additional 26% compared to conventional diesel fuel.
Petrol also offers Q Max HVO, an alternative fuel to conventional diesel (EN 590). It is suitable for use in diesel engines where the vehicle manufacturer permits the use of fuel compliant with the EN 15940 standard. From a sustainability perspective, the production and use of Q Max HVO achieve up to 90% lower CO2 emissions compared to standard fossil-based diesel, significantly contributing to the decarbonization of transport.
n addition to standard fuel offerings, Petrol increasingly aims to meet the specific needs of certain users. One such product is diesel fuel for maritime transport, which must comply with the MARPOL convention on the prevention of marine pollution and the safety of crew and passengers. In maritime transport, stricter requirements have been introduced regarding the use of fuels with high sulfur content. Petrol has therefore introduced Marine Diesel, a fuel tailored to meet the specific requirements of maritime transport.
Biofuels are the most widespread group of alternative fuels and are currently a key energy source for achieving the prescribed shares of renewable energy in transport. In 2024, we blended biodiesel and HVO with conventional fuels. HVO is produced by processing vegetable oils with hydrogen, resulting in a premium fuel with a highly stable chemical composition. Its properties are very similar to those of standard diesel fuel, allowing it to be used as a standalone product or as an additive to diesel fuels, thereby reducing the fossil content of diesel.