Can a small contamination have major consequences for the sustainable fuels of the future?
VAROPreem sources, stores, transports, produces, distributes, and markets renewable liquid fuels. Throughout the value chain, we work to ensure that our products comply with regulatory requirements and meet the highest quality standards.
One of our most important renewable products is HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a paraffinic diesel fuel used as an alternative to conventional fossil diesel. Although HVO has been on the market for many years, there is still limited knowledge about how the fuel behaves throughout the supply chain and under different contamination scenarios.
Field of study/Subject
HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) plays a key role in the transition towards more sustainable transportation and is one of the most important renewable alternatives to fossil diesel. Maintaining product quality throughout the supply chain requires a solid understanding of how HVO behaves during storage, transportation, and distribution.
In practice, HVO may come into contact with other fuels and petroleum products at various stages of the logistics chain. Even small amounts of contamination can influence fuel properties and product quality. As the share of renewable fuels continues to grow, understanding these interactions becomes increasingly important for ensuring both product performance and regulatory compliance.
Purpose
The purpose of this thesis is to improve our understanding of the physical and chemical properties of HVO and investigate how the fuel is affected by contact with other fuels and petroleum products throughout the supply chain.
The project aims to identify factors that influence product quality and increase understanding of potential risks associated with the storage, transportation, and distribution of HVO.
Thesis Goals
The goals of the thesis are to:
Conduct a literature review of HVO's physical and chemical properties as well as previous research within the field.
Identify and analyse quality-related risks associated with the handling, storage, and distribution of HVO.
Investigate how HVO interacts with other fuels and petroleum products.
Design and carry out laboratory experiments, where relevant, to study selected research questions.
Compile conclusions and recommendations that can support quality assurance efforts across VAROPreem's value chain.
Scope
30 ECTS credits
Location
Gothenburg. The project will primarily be based at the Gothenburg refinery. VAROPreem does not reimburse travel expenses to and from the refinery.
Start Date
January or early February 2026, or as agreed.
What We Offer
You will become an important part of VAROPreem, a workplace characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, trust in employees, and strong opportunities for professional development.
The energy market is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Therefore, we are driven by the purpose of meeting today’s energy needs while accelerating the transition toward tomorrow’s more sustainable energy solutions. At VAROPreem, you will be given freedom with responsibility and encouraged to take initiative and contribute to the continued development of our business.
Do you have this background?
We are looking for one or two master's students with an interest in fuels, product quality, and chemical processes.
You are currently studying within a field such as:
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Or another related discipline
Is this you?
You enjoy exploring technical challenges and are motivated by understanding how things work. You are curious, analytical, and enjoy tackling problems that do not always have straightforward answers.
As a thesis student at VAROPreem, you will have considerable freedom to drive your work forward while receiving support from experienced colleagues. We are therefore looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, shows initiative, and enjoys working collaboratively.
We place great importance on your interest in the project, your approach to problem-solving, and your ability to contribute with new perspectives.
Next step
If you have any questions regarding the thesis project, please contact:
Anna Lutz
Product and Sustainability Specialist
[email protected]
If two students wish to complete the thesis together, we ask that one person submits the application and includes both CVs. One CV should be uploaded as usual, while the second should be attached under Additional Documents.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position may be filled before the application deadline. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 27 October 2026.
Due to GDPR regulations, we do not accept applications via email.
Union representative contact information is available here.
We look forward to receiving your application!