Croatia: INA Installs Back-Pressure Steam Turbines at Rijeka Refinery

Croatia’s INA has completed the installation of back-pressure steam turbines with electric generators at its Rijeka Refinery, marking an investment of more than EUR 15 million aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the refinery’s environmental impact.

Mechanical completion of the project was achieved on 25 August 2026, while trial operation and commissioning using the process medium began in September. The project is part of INA’s broader modernization and energy-efficiency efforts at the Rijeka Refinery.

More Efficient Use of Steam

According to INA, the project will reduce steam consumption while also generating energy savings. The turbines will convert pressure energy from steam into electricity through integrated generators, helping the refinery make better use of energy already available within its operations.

This approach can improve the overall efficiency of refinery operations by recovering useful energy from the steam system rather than allowing part of its pressure potential to go unused.

Investment of More Than EUR 15 Million

INA invested more than EUR 15 million in the steam turbine project at the Rijeka Refinery.

The mechanical completion was delivered on 25 August, approximately five weeks ahead of the contractual deadline, according to INA. The project involved coordination between INA and its technology partner Siemens Energy.

The installation forms part of INA's continued investment in the modernization of its refining facilities and energy infrastructure.

Lower Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions

One of the main objectives of the project is to improve the refinery's energy performance.

More efficient steam utilization is expected to reduce the amount of steam required by the refinery's process system. At the same time, the electricity generated by the turbines can contribute to the site's energy requirements.

INA expects the project to deliver energy savings while also reducing CO₂ emissions, supporting the company's wider efforts to improve the environmental performance of its refining operations.

The project also supports INA's obligations under Croatia's Energy Efficiency Act.

Part of Rijeka Refinery Modernization

The steam turbine installation is taking place alongside a much larger modernization program at the Rijeka Refinery.

INA's broader Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project represents an investment of nearly EUR 700 million and includes a new Delayed Coker Unit, modernization of existing processing units, a new port, storage facilities, a coke-handling system and a high-capacity electrical substation.

The wider modernization is intended to increase diesel production and strengthen the refinery's ability to supply Croatia and regional markets.

Strengthening Refinery Competitiveness

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important for refineries as operators seek to control operating costs while reducing emissions.

By improving the efficiency of its steam system and producing electricity through back-pressure turbines, INA aims to improve the operational performance of the Rijeka facility.

The company says the investment will contribute to greater competitiveness and profitability while reducing the environmental impact associated with refinery operations.

Rijeka Refinery Continues Its Energy Transition

The steam turbine project represents one element of INA's broader efforts to modernize the Rijeka Refinery.

The company has also been progressing other energy-related initiatives, including a hydrogen production project and measures focused on improving energy efficiency. INA's Q1 2026 report noted that installation of the back-pressure steam turbines and related electrical equipment and pipelines was progressing during the quarter.

Together, these projects are helping reshape the refinery's energy and processing infrastructure.

Key Project Facts

A Step Toward More Efficient Refining

INA's installation of back-pressure steam turbines represents a targeted investment in improving the energy performance of the Rijeka Refinery. By making more effective use of steam and generating electricity within the facility, the project is expected to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

The initiative also complements INA's wider refinery modernization program, which is focused on improving production capabilities, operational efficiency and the long-term competitiveness of the Rijeka site.

https://www.ina.hr/en/press-center/press-releases/?utm_source=chatgpt.com