Thyssenkrupp Industries India, now under Indian ownership following its German parent’s divestment, has announced its intention to enter the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector. Vivek Bhatia, the Managing Director, revealed that the capital goods company is in the process of finalising partnerships for this new venture. The company aims to actively participate in the SAF market within the next 12 to 18 months. Bhatia elaborated on the strategic shift, explaining that the company will “rebrand and reimagine its sugar business into a sugar and biochemicals business.” He outlined plans to explore ethanol, bio-CNG, lactic acids, polylactic solutions, and eventually SAF. The goal is to utilise sugar-associated biomass and other biomass to contribute to the industry’s green transformation.
SAF, an alternative fuel derived from non-petroleum sources, significantly reduces emissions from air travel and has seen substantial adoption globally by markets and airlines such as Qantas. Bhatia noted that while India is still in the early stages of SAF adoption, the country is developing a plan for its integration into aviation fuel. Recently, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced India’s objective for 1-5% of commercial flights to use SAF by 2027.
In line with these developments, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is collaborating with LanzaJet and domestic airlines to establish a SAF production facility using alcohol-to-jet technology at IOC’s refinery in Panipat, Haryana. This project, estimated to cost Rs 30 billion, underscores the growing commitment to sustainable aviation in India. Thyssenkrupp Industries India, previously an industrial equipment provider under German ownership, completed the sale of its Indian industrial business on May 8. The majority stake, formerly held by Thyssenkrupp Germany, was acquired by existing co-shareholders Paharpur Cooling Towers and Protos Engineering Co.
This transition marks a significant shift for Thyssenkrupp Industries India as it aligns with global trends towards sustainability and green technology. The company’s entry into the SAF sector represents a strategic move to leverage its expertise and resources in fostering a circular economy and contributing to India’s green aviation goals.
