Lummus Technology has taken a major step in the global rollout of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) solutions after GPS Renewables selected its ethanol‑to‑jet (ETJ) technology for National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) flagship project at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh.
The deal marks the first commercial licence for Lummus’ integrated ETJ platform and will support the development of India’s first SAF plant using ethanol derived from flue‑gas.
Lummus says the technology offers a proven, lower‑cost route to SAF production, reducing both capital and operating expenditure while cutting carbon intensity.
“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. He added that India’s established ethanol ecosystem provides an “ideal launch environment” for scaling the technology globally.
India’s rapidly expanding aviation market and strong policy backing are driving demand for new SAF pathways. Ethanol‑based SAF is emerging as a strategic option, leveraging the country’s abundant feedstock availability and long‑running Ethanol Blending Programme.
Mainak Chakraborty, Co‑founder and CEO of GPS Renewables, said SAF remains the most credible route to decarbonising aviation. “However, viable commercial‑scale production is still limited. Our collaboration with Lummus reflects our commitment to accelerating India’s clean‑energy transition and enabling large‑scale SAF production.”
A core element of the process is Lummus and Braskem’s green ethylene technology, already proven at Braskem’s ethanol dehydration unit in Brazil. Lummus has integrated this with its oligomerisation and hydroprocessing technologies to create a full ETJ value chain.
Lummus’ scope covers the technology licence, basic engineering, proprietary catalyst supply and technical support through to start‑up.
Lummus Technology secures first commercial licence for EtJ in India
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