Renewable fuel production begins at Preem’s refinery in Lysekil
For the first time, renewable raw materials are being converted to Swedish Environmental Class 1 diesel at Preem’s refinery in Lysekil. The aim is to annually produce up to 950,000 cubic meters of renewable fuel by 2024.
This is part of a larger project that intends to rebuild the existing Synsat plant for the large-scale production of renewable fuels. To begin with, five percent rapeseed oil will be combined with the fossil raw material for a limited period. This test process is within the conditions of the existing environmental permit and represents an important basis for the refinery’s conversion.
“We are now embarking on a comprehensive restructuring of the refinery in line with Preem's overall and long-term business strategy, and it is gratifying to be able to start Lyseki’s journey toward becoming a biofuel refinery,” say Refinery Manager Aad van Bedaf.
When the conversion is completed, the plant will be able to receive 40 percent renewable raw materials, with the ambition of eventually reaching even higher levels. The redevelopment will also mean that the corresponding amount of fossil raw material will be phased out of the Synsat plant.
The increased renewable production will play an important role in ensuring Sweden achieves its climate targets. The conversion is estimated to reduce emissions in the entire value chain by between 1.2–1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, of which the largest reduction will take place in road traffic. At the same time, renewable fuel production will be accommodated within existing carbon dioxide emissions from the refinery.
An application to amend the existing environmental permit is planned to be submitted before the end of the year, with investment decisions planned for the summer 2021. The plant is expected to be operational by 2024 at the latest.
Contact
For more information, please contact Preem’s press team on +46 (0)70-450 10 01 or at press@preem.se.
PREEM is Sweden’s largest fuel company. Our vision is to lead the transition toward a sustainable society. By 2030, Preem will produce 5 million cubic meters of renewable fuels, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. Preem’s two refineries are among the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe with a refining capacity of over 18 million cubic meters per year. Our business includes production, sales, distribution, as well as trading and the sale of goods. We refine and sell fuel, heating and lubricating oil as well as other products to companies and individuals. Most of our products, almost 80 percent, are exported to the international market, mainly to northwestern Europe. We have a nationwide service network with 570 filling stations for private and commercial traffic. Preem AB has just over 1,500 employees, of which 950 work at our refineries. In 2019, Preem’s turnover was SEK 96 billion.