NTPC awards GPS Renewables contract for India's inaugural ethanol-to-jet SAF facility in Visakhapatnam

NTPC Limited has commissioned GPS Renewables to develop India’s first ethanol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel plant. Located at a green hydrogen hub, the facility will utilize carbon-derived ethanol to produce 1,800 tonnes of fuel annually by 2029, marking a major step in decarbonizing the regional aviation sector through advanced chemical processing.

NTPC Limited, India’s primary state-owned power utility, has finalized a contract with GPS Renewables to build the country’s first ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility. Based in Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam, the plant will be situated within a strategic green hydrogen hub. The facility is expected to produce 1,800 tonnes of SAF and renewable diesel per year using ethanol synthesized from carbon dioxide. This technical undertaking involves converting ethanol to ethylene, followed by olefin oligomerisation and hydroprocessing.

This project represents a pivotal shift for India’s energy and aviation sectors. As international mandates for lower-carbon fuels tighten, domestic SAF production becomes essential for maintaining the competitiveness of Indian airlines. By leveraging carbon-to-fuel technologies, the initiative addresses both waste-to-value objectives and energy security. The collaboration involves Lummus Technology for licensing and Xytel India for detailed engineering, showcasing a robust supply chain for specialized energy infrastructure. For industrial stakeholders, the 2029 completion timeline provides a roadmap for the commercialization of synthetic fuels.

This project not only enhances the capability of NTPC Green Energy Limited, a subsidiary focused on zero-emission power—but also creates a scalable model for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. Investors should note the move toward integrated green hubs where hydrogen, ethanol, and SAF production are co-located to optimize logistics and energy efficiency.