GPS Renewables has taken a major step forward in India’s renewable energy journey by bagging an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract from NTPC Ltd. The project focuses on developing the country’s first ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility, marking a breakthrough in clean aviation fuel production.
Strategic Location at NTPC’s Green Hydrogen Hub
The upcoming facility will be located at NTPC Green Energy Ltd’s green hydrogen hub in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh. Notably, the plant is designed to produce 1,800 tons per annum of SAF using ethanol derived from CO₂ emissions. This approach not only strengthens India’s circular carbon economy but also aligns with global decarbonization goals.
Advanced Technology Driving SAF Production
To ensure efficient fuel synthesis, the project will deploy a sophisticated process chain. This includes ethanol-to-ethylene conversion, followed by olefins oligomerisation and hydroprocessing. As a result, the plant will produce both sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, thereby maximizing output value while minimizing environmental impact.
Leadership Vision and Industry Impact
Mainak Chakraborty, Co-founder and CEO of GPS Renewables, highlighted the project’s long-term vision. He emphasized that the initiative aims to establish a proven pathway for SAF production from ethanol while enabling large-scale manufacturing capabilities in India. Consequently, this project is expected to accelerate the country’s transition toward low-carbon fuels.
Strong Technology Partnerships
The project brings together key global and domestic technology players. Lummus Technology will provide the ETJ technology license along with basic engineering support. Meanwhile, Xytel India will manage the detailed engineering of the core process package. In addition, GPS Renewables will take full responsibility for overall engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities. This also includes managing the hydrogen generation package, ensuring seamless integration across the facility.
Focus on Scalability and Cost Efficiency
Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer at Lummus Technology, underlined the advantages of the integrated solution being deployed. He noted that the configuration is designed to be scalable while reducing both production costs and carbon intensity. Furthermore, India’s well-established ethanol ecosystem provides a strong foundation for replicating such projects globally.
Project Timeline and Execution Roadmap
The project will unfold over the next several years, with completion targeted for March 2029. The timeline includes construction, commissioning, and an additional year of operational oversight. This phased approach ensures stability, efficiency, and long-term viability of the plant.
Boosting India’s Sustainable Aviation Future
As reported by advanceh2.com, the initiative represents a significant milestone in advancing sustainable aviation fuels in India. At the same time, it reinforces the country’s commitment to renewable energy, climate action, and industrial innovation. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, projects like this will play a critical role in shaping a greener and more sustainable future.
