Lummus ETJ technology selected for India’s first ethanol-based SAF plant, enabling scalable, low-carbon aviation fuel production with strong industry collaboration.
Lummus Technology, a globally recognized provider of advanced energy solutions, has announced that GPS Renewables has chosen its ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) technology for a major sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project being developed for National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The facility will be located in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step forward in India’s clean energy and aviation fuel landscape. Notably, this project represents the first commercial licensing of Lummus’ fully integrated ETJ technology, signaling its transition from conceptual innovation to real-world industrial application.
The selected ETJ technology offers a comprehensive and efficient pathway for producing SAF by converting ethanol into jet fuel. This process is designed to reduce both capital and operational expenditures while also lowering overall carbon emissions. Once operational, the plant is expected to become the first in India capable of producing sustainable aviation fuel using ethanol derived from flue gas, highlighting a novel and environmentally beneficial approach to fuel production.
According to Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer at Lummus Technology, the project represents a defining moment for the company. He emphasized that deploying this integrated ETJ solution on a commercial scale demonstrates its readiness and reliability. By adopting this approach, GPS Renewables will be able to establish a scalable SAF production system that benefits from reduced costs and improved carbon efficiency. He also noted that India’s well-established ethanol ecosystem provides a strong foundation for launching such initiatives and could serve as a model for global replication in the future.
India’s aviation industry is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing passenger demand and supportive government policies. This growth has intensified the need for cleaner fuel alternatives, particularly in a sector that is traditionally difficult to decarbonize. Sustainable aviation fuel derived from ethanol is emerging as a promising solution, leveraging India’s abundant ethanol supply and the government-backed Ethanol Blending Program. These factors collectively create a favorable environment for advancing SAF technologies and scaling production capabilities.
Mainak Chakraborty, Co-founder and CEO of GPS Renewables, highlighted the importance of SAF in addressing emissions from aviation. He pointed out that despite its potential, large-scale commercial production of SAF remains limited worldwide. GPS Renewables has consistently focused on adopting technologies that can accelerate India’s transition to sustainable energy. Through its collaboration with Lummus Technology, the company aims to introduce a proven and scalable method for producing SAF from ethanol, thereby supporting the broader goal of decarbonizing aviation in India.
An essential component of this project is the collaboration between Lummus Technology and Braskem in the area of green ethylene production. Braskem has been operating an ethanol dehydration facility in Brazil since 2010, utilizing its EtE EverGreen™ technology. This established process enables the efficient conversion of ethanol into ethylene and serves as a reliable base for SAF production. Lummus has integrated this technology with its own advanced systems, including light olefins oligomerization and hydroprocessing, to create a robust and efficient production chain.
As part of its role in the project, Lummus will provide the technology license, a detailed basic engineering package, proprietary catalysts, and technical support services. These contributions are aimed at ensuring smooth project execution, successful commissioning, and efficient plant operation once the facility becomes active.
