Successful Consortium Project Concluded by MOL and the University of Pannonia, Extending Collaboration for Three More Years

The University of Pannonia and MOL have signed a three-year research, development, and innovation (RDI) agreement, reaffirming their joint commitment to sustainable solutions and innovation. Together with consortium partners, the University of Pannonia and MOL successfully implemented a project supporting the transition to a circular economy. The project resulted in the establishment of the Sustainability Competence Center, the development of a pilot-scale, five-reactor sustainable energy system, and two containerized pilot units for industrial wastewater treatment.

During the project closing event, the University of Pannonia and MOL ceremonially signed the collaboration agreement.

The project titled “Establishing a Sustainability Competence Center Based on Circular Economy at the University of Pannonia” commenced in March 2020. The University of Pannonia and its consortium partners committed to conducting research activities and technological developments in five key areas: renewable energy, waste management, water technologies, sustainable tourism, and urban development.

One of the major outcomes was a pilot-scale, five-reactor sustainable energy system designed to advance thermal waste treatment processes. The goal is to establish a unique competence in Hungary, jointly developed by MOL and the University of Pannonia, to create waste-based hydrocarbon production technologies tailored to industrial needs. The water technology project included the development of water purification units for treating oily wastewater, collaboratively designed by teams from the University of Pannonia, MOL, and Hidrofilt Ltd.

Zsolt Csillag, Chancellor of the University of Pannonia

At the signing ceremony, Zsolt Csillag, Chancellor of the University of Pannonia, highlighted the institution’s long-standing leadership in sustainability and circular economy, recalling the launch of Hungary’s first environmental engineering program 50 years ago. “Waste management, water management, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development play a crucial role in our research portfolio,” he emphasized.

“One of our greatest achievements in recent years has been the five-year circular economy project aimed at developing innovative technologies and methods. The long-term strategic partnership between the University of Pannonia and MOL is built on close collaboration in RDI, education, and professional talent development. The newly signed agreement reinforces the shared objectives and builds on the work initiated during the project. The university's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in our operations, such as paperless administration and replacing gas heating systems with fully electric solutions,” he added.

Krisztián Pulay, MOL Group Executive Vice President of Downstream Production and Development

“The circular economy is a core element of MOL’s strategy. The MOL Group has established MOHU, which achieved remarkable results within a year in transforming waste management. For example, we distributed 200,000 selective collection containers to households and launched a beverage packaging return system, with one million app downloads and approximately 800 million bottles, cans, and glass containers collected within a few months,” said Krisztián Pulay.

“To advance the circular economy and increase waste utilization, technological innovation and mindset change are essential. Together with our partners, we have developed solutions that are sustainable in the long term and contribute to our goals. Our collaboration with the University of Pannonia continues with research into chemical recycling technologies and sustainable fuels, aligning perfectly with our vision of achieving a smart energy transition and making the region more sustainable, self-sufficient, and competitive.”

The joint research aims to explore chemical recycling technologies, with a special focus on recycling selective waste, plastics, and rubber waste. Additionally, the project will study the production of bio-based and non-bio-based sustainable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and the co-processing of fossil and renewable materials.

Following the signing, the closing conference of the project “Establishing a Sustainability Competence Center Based on Circular Economy” showcased and evaluated the project outcomes. Dr. László Lengyel, Deputy President for Science and International Affairs of the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office, emphasized the importance of RDI projects and the challenges faced by Hungary’s innovation ecosystem. He stressed involving young researchers and PhD students in engaging, relevant projects, ensuring the accessibility of scholarships, and prioritizing the practical applicability of research.

Project manager Brigitta Ferenczik summarized the project results, highlighting the significance of research and technological developments. Key outcomes were presented by Dr. Norbert Miskolczi on renewable energy, Dr. Róbert Kurdi on waste management, and Dr. Ildikó Galambos on water technologies. Dr. Katalin Lőrincz and Dr. Kornél Németh shared insights on sustainable tourism and urban development innovations, respectively. Industrial partners, including MOL’s Dr. András Holló, Hidrofilt Ltd.’s Dr. Gábor Lakner, and the Bay Zoltán Research Institute’s Péter Chrabák, evaluated the project’s impacts.

The conference included interactive discussions highlighting innovations achieved through collaboration, contributing to the advancement of the circular economy in Hungary.

About MOL Group
The MOL Group is an international integrated oil, gas, petrochemical, and retail company headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. Active in over 30 countries, with a workforce of 25,000, it operates three refineries and two petrochemical plants in Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia and has a retail network of 2,400 stations across 10 countries in Central and Southeast Europe. Committed to transforming its traditional fossil-fuel-based operations into a low-carbon, sustainable business model, MOL aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while driving a low-carbon circular economy in the region.

About the University of Pannonia
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the University of Pannonia has evolved from Hungary’s first chemical industry university into a multidisciplinary institution of excellence, recognized internationally for its quality education and strong labor market feedback. Sustainability is a cornerstone of its education, research, and third-mission activities, with a strong focus on environmental protection.