Lummus Technology has announced that GPS Renewables will use its ethanol-to-jet technology for a major sustainable aviation fuel project being developed for National Thermal Power Corporation. The facility will come up in Pudimadaka, marking a key development in India’s efforts to produce cleaner aviation fuel.
The project is the first time Lummus’ fully integrated ethanol-to-jet technology will be used on a commercial scale, moving it from the testing stage to real industrial use, Chemanalyst reported.
The selected process converts ethanol into aviation fuel through a streamlined system designed to lower costs and reduce emissions. Once operational, the plant is expected to be the first in India to produce sustainable aviation fuel using ethanol made from flue gas, offering a new way to generate cleaner fuel.
Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer at Lummus Technology, said the project is an important step for the company, as it shows the technology is ready for large-scale use. He added that India’s strong ethanol production base supports such initiatives and could help expand similar projects globally.
India’s aviation sector is growing quickly, driven by rising passenger demand and policy support. This has increased the need for cleaner fuel options in a sector where cutting emissions is difficult. Sustainable aviation fuel made from ethanol is emerging as a viable option, supported by the country’s ethanol availability and the government’s Ethanol Blending Program.
Mainak Chakraborty, Co-founder and CEO of GPS Renewables, said sustainable aviation fuel will play an important role in reducing emissions from air travel. He noted that global production of such fuel is still limited, and the partnership with Lummus will help bring a proven and scalable solution to India.
The project also involves collaboration between Lummus Technology and Braskem in green ethylene production. Braskem has been operating an ethanol-based facility in Brazil since 2010 using its EtE EverGreen technology, which converts ethanol into ethylene. This process has been combined with Lummus’ systems to create an integrated production chain for aviation fuel.
Under the agreement, Lummus will provide the technology license, engineering design, catalysts, and technical support to ensure smooth execution and efficient operation of the plant.
