Hungarian energy group MOL has completed the €49.6 million reconstruction of the AV-3 crude distillation unit at its Danube refinery, preparing the installation for a staged restart during October.
The unit at Szazhalombatta was heavily damaged by a fire last year, reducing part of the refinery’s crude-processing capability.
Before production resumes, MOL will carry out pressure testing, system flushing and checks on safety and process-control systems. Auxiliary energy systems will then be connected before AV-3 is reintegrated with the refinery.
The restart will take place progressively rather than immediately returning the unit to full capacity.
Reconstruction included rebuilding damaged reinforced-concrete structures and replacing or repairing machinery, electrical installations and control equipment.
MOL installed 27 new high-capacity pumps, replaced around 8 km of pipelines and laid approximately 100 km of electrical cable during the project.
Full restoration of AV-3 will return the Danube refinery closer to normal crude-processing capacity and strengthen MOL’s ability to supply Hungary and neighbouring fuel markets.
