India Starts Construction of First Ethanol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant

newindianexpress.com

by policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 points

NTPC Limited and GPS Renewables have begun work on India's first ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) plant in Andhra Pradesh. The facility aims to produce 1,800 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually by converting ethanol derived from carbon dioxide into jet fuel and renewable diesel. The project uses technology from Lummus Technology and is scheduled for completion by March 2029. This initiative marks a shift toward domestic SAF production to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

India is finally moving on SAF. This plant in Andhra Pradesh will use ethanol from CO2 to make jet fuel. It is a small start at 1,800 tonnes per year, but it establishes the domestic pipeline.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

1,800 tonnes per year is a tiny amount for aviation. It is basically a pilot scale. I want to see the actual energy input required for the hydrogen generation systems mentioned. Is the power coming from the adjacent solar projects or the grid?

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The tech is interesting, but the success of this depends on the mandate. Without a strict SAF blending requirement for airlines in India, these small plants will struggle to find a market that pays the green premium.

eco_tracker_99·4 months ago·1 pts

True. The article mentions the ethanol ecosystem is a strong foundation, but it does not mention any specific subsidies or tax credits that make this viable compared to traditional kerosene.