GPS Renewables (GPSR) has commenced construction of India’s first Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant after securing an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract from NTPC Limited. The project will be developed at NTPC Green Energy Limited’s Green Hydrogen Hub in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh.
Under the contract, GPS Renewables will lead the execution of the project in collaboration with global technology and engineering partners. Lummus Technology will provide the ETJ process technology and basic engineering design, while Xytel India will deliver detailed engineering for the core process package using its expertise in modular and automated plant systems.
GPS Renewables will be responsible for end-to-end delivery, including engineering design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and initial operations. The scope also covers the hydrogen generation package, as well as offsite and utility systems required for plant operations. The project timeline extends through March 2029, with an additional one-year operational support period following commissioning.
The facility is designed to produce 1,800 tonnes per annum of sustainable aviation fuel using ethanol derived from carbon dioxide. The process will follow a multi-stage conversion pathway involving ethanol-to-ethylene transformation, olefins oligomerisation, and hydroprocessing to generate SAF and renewable diesel. This approach is expected to support lower carbon emissions while enabling the use of existing ethanol supply chains.
The project represents a key development in India’s efforts to build domestic capacity for sustainable aviation fuel, a critical component in reducing emissions from the aviation sector. As global demand for cleaner aviation fuels rises, the initiative is expected to contribute to advancing low-carbon alternatives for air transport.
Mainak Chakraborty, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of GPS Renewables, said the project reflects the company’s focus on deploying scalable technologies that support the transition to cleaner energy. He noted that sustainable aviation fuel offers a viable pathway to reduce emissions in aviation, and the collaboration with Lummus Technology will help bring a proven production route to the Indian market.
Romain Lemoine, Chief Business Officer at Lummus Technology, said the project marks a significant step in advancing ethanol-to-jet technology at a commercial scale. He added that India’s established ethanol ecosystem provides a strong foundation for deploying such solutions and supporting future expansion.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, GPS Renewables is a full-stack renewable energy company focused on developing biofuel and waste-to-energy solutions. The company has established partnerships with major energy firms to develop compressed biogas projects across India, contributing to emissions reduction and sustainable fuel production.
