Axens, Praj Industries sign MOU for sustainable aviation fuel projects in India

Axens and Praj have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work jointly on projects in India for production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from low-carbon alcohols through the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) pathway, Axens announced Feb. 3.

India is among top five aviation markets globally, and robust growth is expected over the next two decades. In pursuit of its net-zero target, the government of India is mulling over introducing SAF mandates to decarbonize the aviation sector.

The ASTM-approved ATJ pathway (ATJ-SPK) involving conversion of low-carbon ethanol or low-carbon isobutanol into SAF will play a major role in meeting India’s requirement of SAF production.

Praj brings to the table proven expertise in modularized solutions, integration services for complete project and technology for production of low-carbon isobutanol and ethanol from conventional biobased feedstock.

Axens will provide its Jetanol™ alcohol-to-jet technologies (dehydration, olefin oligomerization and hydrogenation steps); catalyst solutions; equipment and services, including training and technical assistance, for the conversion of alcohols to SAF.

Axens and Praj will continue to individually offer technology for production of low-carbon ethanol from cellulosic biomass in India and abroad.

“As a sustainable climate-action company, we are involved in accelerating energy transition through bioeconomy,” said Shishir Joshipura, the CEO and managing director of Praj. “Our partnership with Axens is yet another step in this regard. With complementary strengths across the value chain of SAF production, this is a definitive step towards cleaner skies in India.”

Xavier Decoodt, vice president of gasoline and the ATJ product line at Axens, added, “As a technology provider, Axens has been deeply involved in India’s journey toward cleaner fuels for more than three decades and we are very excited to continue that work on SAF projects with Praj as new partner.”