Praj, Axens demonstrate integrated EtJ pathway for SAF production in India

Indian Bioenergy company Praj Industries said it has successfully demonstrated ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) process utilising Axens JetanolTM technology at its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demonstration plant at Praj Matrix in Pune, India.

“We are committed to advancing science-led, scalable solutions that support the decarbonisation of the hard-to-abate aviation sector, energy security and global climate goals,” said Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, founder chairman of Praj Industries while speaking to SAF Investor.

The announcement was made by Praj Industries’ president Atul Mulay at Wings India 2026.

The SAF demo plant, earlier inaugurated by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has now proven its technological readiness for both AtJ pathways.

After it completed demonstration for bio-isobutanol as the feedstock, the plant has now validated bio-ethanol as a feedstock under the EtJ pathway.

Axens worked as a strategic partner to Praj in advancing SAF through the AtJ route. Axens has licensed Praj its Jetanol™ Alcohol-to-Jet technology, including dehydration, oligomerization and hydrogenation steps, along with catalysts, and technical support.

This achievement positions Praj as the first company globally to offer a fully integrated, end to end technology and engineering solution for the Alcohol to Jet (AtJ) pathway, encompassing both isobutanol and ethanol.

This successful demonstration allows conversion of ethanol into drop in SAF, compliant to ASTM D7566, compatible with existing aircraft engines and aviation infrastructure.

Praj has previously demonstrated real-world SAF deployment in India, supporting the country’s first commercial passenger flight powered by SAF-blended aviation turbine fuel, when an AirAsia India flight operated from Pune to New Delhi using indigenously produced SAF supplied by Praj Industries in collaboration with Indian Oil.