LanzaTech Global, Inc., the carbon recycling company, has been awarded a contract by Jakson Green, a new energy transition platform, to provide their 4G ethanol technology to India’s largest power generation utility company, NTPC Limited. NTPC’s facility in Central India will use LanzaTech’s technology platform and second generation bioreactor to convert CO2 emissions and green H2 into ethanol.
LanzaTech deploys its biorecycling solution at industrial facilities, capturing carbon-rich gases at the source before they are emitted into the atmosphere. Inside the bioreactor, LanzaTech’s technology works like a brewery, but instead of using yeast to convert sugar into beer, proprietary microbes convert carbon-rich gases into sustainable fuels, chemicals, and raw materials. Focused on continuous improvement, LanzaTech’s second generation bioreactor is able to intake CO2 and H2 to produce ethanol, a key building block for the production of consumer goods and sustainable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.
Recognized as an abundant waste feedstock for the circular carbon economy, CO2 when used as the sole carbon source in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies requires the input of H2. LanzaTech has proven its technology’s use of CO2 in a refinery setting with IndianOil Corporation, and this project with NTPC represents an expansion into the power generation industry with a feedstock stream where CO2 is the only carbon source. NTPC’s new carbon recycling facility is designed to showcase LanzaTech’s technology readiness for supporting regions advancing the energy transition and in turn, could enable the localized production of sustainable fuels, chemicals and raw materials from waste.
The plant has been conceptualized and designed by LanzaTech and NETRA (NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance), the research and development arm of NTPC Ltd. Jakson Green is leveraging its engineering prowess to lead the development of this groundbreaking project in Chhattisgarh, India. Their expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from design, engineering and procurement to construction. This first-of-its-kind plant is projected to have an annual CO2 abatement capacity of 7,300 ton, the equivalent of carbon sequestered annually by 8,523 acres of forest land. The plant is expected to begin operations within two years.
“Our partnership with Jakson Green for this NTPC project expands our footprint in India while creating a roadmap for commercial deployment of CO2as a key feedstock,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaTech’s CEO and member of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s (USISPF)’s Board of Directors. “Waste-based feedstocks can support Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative by boosting the regional domestic manufacture of essential goods and materials. What’s better for the environment can also be better for business.”
Mr. Kannan Krishnan, Joint Managing Director, Jakson Green said, “This collaboration on NTPC’s pioneering project signifies a watershed moment in India’s clean energy journey. Leveraging our proven expertise in Power-to-X projects, we’re bringing these cutting-edge technologies to the forefront. This innovative pairing creates a transformative pathway to sustainable 4G ethanol production. Our leadership in this space positions us to significantly support LanzaTech’s mission, to revolutionize clean energy solutions in India, paving the way for a future fueled by sustainable resources.”
From developing India’s largest green hydrogen fueling station to pioneering a low-carbon methanol plant for leading PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings), Jakson Green boasts a diverse portfolio in the green molecule space. This project marks their sixth marquee Power-to-X initiative within just 18 months, solidifying their position as a leader in India’s clean energy transition. With over 8,500 tons per annum (TPA) of green hydrogen and its derivatives under execution across these projects, Jakson Green is uniquely equipped to drive India towards a sustainable future.
In India, LanzaTech’s carbon recycling technology is already producing ethanol using refinery emissions from Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat facility, one of six plants using LanzaTech’s technology at commercial scale worldwide. LanzaTech announced last year a strategic partnership with GAIL to explore innovative technology solutions that advance GAIL’s Net Zero 2040 goals. LanzaTech is also working with Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited on a project to manufacture ethanol from agricultural residue, in addition to numerous other projects in earlier stages of development across multiple feedstocks.
