According to sources familiar with the matter, State-run NTPC Ltd is exploring ways to produce sustainable jet fuel by mixing carbon captured from its thermal power plant and green hydrogen, reported The Economic Times.
The company aims to establish an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes of clean jet fuel, as mentioned by the sources. They also indicated that NTPC may consider setting up production at its upcoming green hydrogen hub in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh. However, one of the sources noted that the location has not been finalized yet.
NTPC Green Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of the company, will oversee the construction of the facility, according to the sources.
The initiative to produce sustainable jet fuel represents a significant milestone in NTPC’s transition to green energy and its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
In response to email queries, the company stated, “NTPC is exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as one of the potential avenues for CO2 utilisation pathway through its ongoing research and development effort on CCUS [carbon capture utilization and storage].”
While confirming its interest in venturing into clean jet fuel production, the company emphasized that it is premature to comment on the size, cost, and location of the new facility. It was previously reported by ET that NTPC Green Energy may go public by December.
The company’s plan involves capturing carbon dioxide from its thermal plant chimney using CCUS technology, while green hydrogen will be generated from renewable energy sources. These gases will then be synthesized in a reactor to produce jet fuel. At a synthetic fuel production unit, the Fischer Tropsch process will be used to combine both gases and create jet fuel.
According to the sources, NTPC Green Energy is set to invest ₹70,000 crore in constructing the Andhra Pradesh facility for fuel production and its derivatives, as well as for manufacturing components and systems related to renewable energy.
