Lummus Technology Partners with GPS Renewables for Pioneering Ethanol-to-Jet Project in India

In a significant development for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Lummus Technology has been selected by GPS Renewables to implement its innovative ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) technology for the National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) Project located at Pudimadaka in Andhra Pradesh, India. This initiative marks the commercial rollout of Lummus' integrated ETJ technology, providing a pragmatic and efficient solution for producing SAF while effectively lowering both operational costs and carbon emissions.

Once operational, this facility will be India’s first to generate SAF from ethanol obtained through flue gas. The advancement aligns with a growing trend towards more sustainable fuel solutions in a world grappling with climate change, particularly within the aviation sector which has traditionally faced challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer at Lummus Technology, highlighted the importance of this project, stating, “This initiative marks a milestone for Lummus, transforming our ETJ technology from concept to a tangible commercial application. Our comprehensive solution will empower GPS Renewables to implement a scalable SAF configuration that minimizes both capital and operational expenses, while achieving lower carbon intensity.” He also expressed optimism about India’s well-established ethanol ecosystem, which is poised to support this major leap in SAF production.

India’s aviation market is experiencing rapid growth, complemented by favorable government policies that encourage innovative SAF technologies. The production of SAF from ethanol is gaining traction as a viable way to diminish greenhouse gas emissions, leveraging India’s extensive ethanol supply and the initiatives set forth by the Ethanol Blending Program.

Mainak Chakraborty, Co-founder and CEO of GPS Renewables, remarked on the significance of SAF: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel is emerging as a crucial solution for reducing emissions, especially in sectors like aviation that are hard to decarbonize. Despite the potential, the commercial-scale production of SAF remains limited. Our collaboration with Lummus Technology reflects our commitment to expedite India’s clean energy transition by establishing a validated route for producing SAF from ethanol.”

A central element in the SAF production process involves Lummus’ partnership with Braskem, which focuses on producing green ethylene — a key component in bioethanol utilization. Braskem has operated an ethanol dehydration unit in Brazil since 2010. Utilizing the EtE EverGreen™ technology, this facility has established itself as a reliable method for transforming ethanol into ethylene. Lummus has successfully integrated this large-scale dehydration process with its advanced hydroprocessing and light olefins oligomerization technologies, creating a robust framework for SAF production.

Lummus Technology’s responsibilities include providing the technology license, essential engineering packages, proprietary catalysts, and technical support services necessary for executing and initiating the project smoothly and efficiently.

About Lummus Technology

Lummus Technology stands at the forefront of developing technology solutions essential for a sustainable and low-carbon future. The company licenses innovative process technologies across various sectors, including clean fuels, renewables, petrochemicals, and digitalization — servicing customers on a global scale. For more information, visit LummusTechnology.com or connect with them on LinkedIn.

About GPS Renewables

Based in Bengaluru, GPS Renewables is a foremost renewable oil and gas entity focused on delivering technology and project solutions aimed at climate-positive biofuel developments. Over the years, it has grown from establishing captive biogas plants to commissioning some of the largest RNG facilities globally. In 2022, GPS Renewables introduced GPSR Arya Pvt Ltd, intending to spearhead BOO (Build-Own-Operate) projects,
expanding its climate impact mission. Partnerships with major fuel companies have positioned GPSR to develop compressed biogas (CBG) plants throughout India, processing agricultural waste to cut carbon emissions and further support the government's SATAT initiative.