Lummus Technology has secured its first commercial license for ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) technology after GPS Renewables selected it for NTPC’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh.
The project marks a key step toward India’s first SAF plant using ethanol derived from flue gas and highlights growing momentum for low-carbon aviation fuel in the country.
“This project represents a major milestone for Lummus, bringing our ethanol-to-jet technology from concept to commercial reality,” said Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer, Lummus Technology.
“By leveraging our integrated solution, GPS will deliver a scalable SAF configuration with reduced capital and operating costs and lower carbon intensity. India’s strong ethanol ecosystem provides an ideal launch environment and supports future global deployment.”
The announcement comes as India’s aviation sector accelerates efforts to decarbonize, backed by strong policy support and rising demand for low-carbon fuel alternatives. Ethanol-based SAF is emerging as a key pathway, leveraging the country’s established ethanol supply base and the government’s Ethanol Blending Program.
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel stands out as the most promising option for reducing emissions in a hard-to-abate sector like aviation,” said Mainak Chakraborty, Co-founder and CEO, GPS Renewables.
“However, viable commercial-scale production of SAF is still limited. At GPS Renewables, we have always prioritised technologies that can accelerate India’s transition to clean energy. Our collaboration with Lummus Technology reflects that commitment. Through this partnership, our aim is to bring a proven pathway to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel from ethanol and enable the large-scale production of SAF in India.”
The project also builds on Lummus’ broader collaboration with Braskem in green ethylene production. Since 2010, Braskem has operated an ethanol dehydration unit in Brazil using EtE EverGreen™ technology, which serves as a foundation for converting ethanol into ethylene.
Lummus has integrated this process with its light olefins oligomerization and advanced hydroprocessing technologies to support SAF production.
Under the agreement, Lummus will provide the technology license, basic engineering package, proprietary catalyst, and technical support services to guide project execution and startup.
