Slovnaft is the first company in Slovakia to use the Renewable Gas Registry under the EU ETS scheme to reduce CO₂ emissions

Slovnaft contributes to sustainable energy

This step is part of Slovnaft's strategy aimed at decarbonising production processes  and also serves as a test model for future trading in renewable gases within the EU ETS (Emission Trading System). Slovnaft is also the first company within the MOL Group to use this mechanism, as renewable gas registries are only now being introduced in the other member countries where MOL operates refineries.

“Slovnaft has long been striving to reduce CO₂ emissions and is actively seeking innovative solutions aimed at responsible and sustainable energy. The use of renewable gas in the form of biomethane represents a concrete step in our energy transition. Slovnaft also has the ambition to become a biomethane producer and use it directly in its refining processes,” said Gábor Tóth, manager of the Sustainable solutions department at Slovnaft.  

The number of biomethane plants in Slovakia is set to grow

Biomethane is a renewable gas obtained by purifying biogas produced from biodegradable residues, most commonly from agricultural or municipal sources. It has almost identical properties to natural gas, allowing it to be used directly without the need to modify existing technology. SPP – distribúcia has already connected two biomethane plants to its distribution network and expects another four to be added by the end of the year. Next year, we could have a total of ten to twelve biomethane plants in Slovakia's distribution network. 

“The renewable gas registry operated by SPP – distribúcia is the only official tool for issuing, transferring and redeeming guarantees of origin for biomethane in Slovakia. Over two years of operation, it has proved its viability, as evidenced by guarantees of origin issued for more than 100 GWh and a threefold increase in the number of account holders in the registry since its establishment,” said Július Roth of SPP – distribúcia, a.s. The registry plays an important role in supporting the renewable gas market. Its launch placed us among the countries with a functioning system for using guarantees of origin for renewable gases in accordance with European standards. 

A guarantee of origin for renewable gas is a unique document certifying that the gas was produced from a renewable energy source with standardised quality parameters. It also provides evidence of the transparency and credibility of the origin of the gas supplied, which is particularly crucial for meeting the requirements of European legislation on renewable energy sources.

The cooperation between Slovnaft and SPP – distribúcia represents an important milestone in the development of the renewable gas market in Slovakia and opens up new opportunities for decarbonising the industrial sector.