Thus begins a new era for sustainable aviation fuel production in Asia. Lummus Technology has been selected to supply its ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) conversion technology for a project led by GPS Renewables for the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in Andhra Pradesh, India.
First commercial implementation of ETJ technology
Specifically, this project marks the first commercial license of Lummus’ integrated ETJ technology, the solution that makes it possible to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ethanol, reducing capital and operating costs, as well as the carbon intensity of the process.
Furthermore, the future plant will be the first in India capable of generating SAF using ethanol derived from flue gases, introducing a new approach to the valorization of industrial emissions.
According to Romain Lemoine, commercial director of Lummus Technology, the project represents the transition of this technology from its conceptual phase to a scalable commercial application.
India accelerates the adoption of sustainable fuels
On the other hand, the growth of the aviation sector in India is driving demand for solutions like the SAF. Institutional support and programs such as the Ethanol Blending Program have strengthened the bioethanol ecosystem in the country.
In this context, SAF produced from ethanol is positioned as a viable alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a sector that is difficult to decarbonize.
Mainak Chakraborty, CEO of GPS Renewables, emphasized that the current challenge lies in scaling up the commercial production of these fuels. He also stressed that the collaboration with Lummus aims to establish a replicable model for the mass production of SAF in India.
Technological integration to optimize production
A crucial element of the project is the integration of different technologies within the ETJ process; the alliance between Lummus and Braskem allows the incorporation of green ethylene production from bioethanol.
Since 2010, Braskem has been operating an ethanol dehydration plant in Brazil based on EtE EverGreen™ technology, which is now combined with light olefin oligomerization processes and advanced hydroprocessing.
Thanks to this integration, the efficiency of the process is improved and the industrial viability of sustainable aviation fuel is strengthened.
Project scope and global projection
Finally, the scope of Lummus includes the technology license, the basic engineering package, the supply of patented catalysts, and technical support for implementation and commissioning.
The project in Pudimadaka is shaping up to be a starting point for the global expansion of this technology. As pressure to reduce emissions in aviation grows, solutions like the ethanol-based SAF are gaining prominence in the energy transition.
Source and photo: Lummustechnology