Brief History

Neste, a Finnish energy company, has been investing heavily in research and development of renewable diesel technology as well as broadening the renewable raw material base suitable for refining since the mid 1990s. Upon successful piloting of the renewable diesel production within the Porvoo refinery, Neste embarked on the world-scale construction of renewable diesel refineries, first in Singapore and then Rotterdam the following year. These refineries use Neste's proprietary NEXBTL™ technology to produce renewable diesel from renewable raw materials, which are mainly waste and residue raw materials, such as animal waste fat, used cooking oil and residue streams from vegetable oil industry.

The investment decision for the Singapore refinery was made at the end of 2007. Singapore was selected amongst other sites in Asia based on the country's world-class logistics connectivity, which enables a seamless transportation of our renewable raw materials as well as final products to Asia and the world. 

Operation started in 2010 in a land area of 19 hectares. Over the years, we continued to innovate and invest in the growth of the Singapore refinery. 

The production capacity of the original refinery was gradually increased to 1.3 million tons annually from its original design. Besides renewable diesel, we also produce renewable raw materials for the polymers and chemicals industry to help them reduce crude oil dependency while also tackling climate change and plastic waste challenge.  

Waste and residues account for over 90% of our renewable raw material inputs globally. At the end of 2018, Neste made an investment decision to expand the Singapore refinery, more than doubling its existing land area to 45 hectares in total.

About Singapore Expanded Refinery

The construction of the Singapore Expansion Project started at the beginning of 2019, and operations started in April 2023. The EUR 1.6 billion investment provides Neste with additional production capabilities. On top of renewable diesel and renewable feedstock for polymer and chemicals, we also add production capability of sustainable aviation fuel. 

The expanded refinery increases the Singapore refinery's total production capacity to 2.6 million tons per annum, including up to 1 million tons of sustainable aviation fuel. The refinery will have its own hydrogen production unit and additional capabilities to process more challenging wastes and residue raw materials. 

The successful Singapore Expansion Project makes our Singapore refinery the world’s biggest renewable diesel refinery, as well as the world's largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel, in terms of capacity.