Executive Summary
Lummus Technology has been selected by GPS Renewables (GPSR) to supply its ethanol‑to‑jet technology for a flagship sustainable aviation fuel project in India. Published directly by Lummus Technology, the project represents the first commercial deployment of Lummus’ integrated ethanol‑to‑jet pathway and positions GPS Renewables at the centre of India’s emerging SAF industry. The development is expected to drive significant engineering employment across design, construction, commissioning and long‑term operations in Andhra Pradesh and beyond. [lummustechnology.com]
Detailed Analysis
A milestone SAF project for India
The project is being developed for National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) at Pudimadaka in Andhra Pradesh and will become India’s first facility capable of producing sustainable aviation fuel from ethanol derived from flue gas. GPS Renewables has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction scope, while Lummus Technology will provide the ethanol‑to‑jet technology licence and basic engineering.
This marks the first commercial licence of Lummus’ integrated ethanol‑to‑jet platform, moving the technology from pilot and concept stages into full industrial deployment. For India, this is a strategic step in reducing aviation emissions while leveraging an already well‑established domestic ethanol ecosystem supported by the national Ethanol Blending Programme.
The role of GPS Renewables in SAF scale‑up
GPS Renewables is positioning itself as a full‑stack renewable fuels developer, with this project placing the company firmly in the SAF value chain. The plant is designed to produce approximately 1,800 tonnes per annum of SAF using a proven process route that includes ethanol‑to‑ethylene conversion, olefins oligomerisation and hydroprocessing.
From an engineering perspective, GPS Renewables will lead all aspects of project delivery including hydrogen generation systems, utilities, offsites, procurement, construction, start‑up and commissioning. This scope of work translates directly into demand for multidisciplinary engineering teams covering chemical, process, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, civil and project engineering disciplines.
Engineering employment impact
Large industrial SAF projects typically generate employment across several phases. During front‑end and basic engineering, process engineers, simulation specialists and licensors’ support teams are required to adapt licensed technology to site‑specific conditions. As the project moves into detailed engineering and construction, demand expands rapidly for EPC professionals including piping designers, structural engineers, construction managers and HSE specialists.
Once operational, long‑term roles emerge in plant operations, maintenance engineering, reliability management and performance optimisation. Given that this plant uses novel ethanol‑to‑jet technology integrated with hydrogen and carbon utilisation systems, specialist skills in catalysis, hydroprocessing and digital plant monitoring are likely to be in high demand.
The Hindu BusinessLine has reported that construction has already commenced, signalling that recruitment demand is shifting from design‑led roles into site‑based engineering and construction management positions. [thehindubu…ssline.com]
Technology partnerships and global skills transfer
A key element of the project is Lummus’ long‑standing technology collaboration with Braskem for green ethylene production. This partnership draws on operational experience from Brazil, where ethanol dehydration units have been running at scale for over a decade. The integration of proven international technology with Indian project execution creates opportunities for knowledge transfer and upskilling of local engineering teams.
For engineers, this kind of project offers exposure to first‑of‑a‑kind SAF infrastructure while remaining grounded in familiar oil, gas and petrochemical process principles. This skills bridge is particularly important for professionals transitioning from conventional refining and petrochemicals into low‑carbon fuels.
What this Means
For job seekers
For engineers considering careers in sustainable fuels, this project signals that SAF is moving from policy ambition to physical infrastructure. Process engineers, project managers and construction specialists with backgrounds in refining, chemicals or hydrogen systems are well placed to transition into SAF roles without starting from scratch.
For employers and contractors
EPC contractors, technology licensors and specialist equipment suppliers can expect a growing pipeline of SAF‑related work in India as this first project sets a precedent. Employers that invest early in SAF‑specific training and capability development are likely to gain a competitive advantage as further plants are sanctioned.
For the wider economy
India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, and SAF represents one of the few viable decarbonisation pathways for long‑haul air travel. Projects like this support domestic energy security while creating high‑value engineering and technical employment. Over time, a domestic SAF supply chain could reduce reliance on imported fuels and position India as a regional SAF technology hub.
To Learn More
For further insight into how energy transition projects are reshaping engineering employment, the following related articles may be of interest:
- UK, Netherlands and Italy need oil and gas workforces to deliver hydrogen targets [sustina.co.uk]
- Explore more engineering and energy transition news at Sustina [sustina.co.uk]
Source Material
- Title: Lummus Technology Selected for Major Ethanol‑to‑Jet SAF Project in India
- Author: Lummus Technology
- Date: 30 April 2026
- Website: Lummus Technology
- URL: https://www.lummustechnology.com/news/lummus-technology-selected-for-major-ethanol-to-jet-saf-project-in-india
