Chaudhary deploys advanced low-carbon solution
Pune-based Praj Industries (NSE: PRAJIND, BSE: 522205) is supplying an advanced low-carbon solution and equipment that form the key components of a system for decarbonization of ethanol plant in Keyes, California.
The 65 million gallon-per-year plant of California’s Aemetis Inc (NASDAQ: AMTX) is implementing a decarbonization process under a US$30 million energy efficiency upgrade with integration of a Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) system.
Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman of Praj Industries, said on 8 Oct, “Praj has been a trusted technology partner to Aemetis for more than a decade at this facility. The deployment of advanced low-carbon solution marks the next step in lowering the carbon intensity of ethanol while driving greater efficiency and profitability. Together with Aemetis, we are enabling meaningful progress in the US energy transition https://www.bseindia.com/.”
The Aemetis Advanced Fuels Keyes facility has been operating since 2011, utilizing Praj’s ethanol technology, and has consistently delivered reliable performance while contributing to California’s low-carbon fuel standard and US energy security.
The project has received approximately US$19.7 million in grants and tax credits from California Energy Commission, and Pacific Gas & Electric, and IRA 45Z tax credits https://www.nseindia.com/.
Project completion is scheduled for Q2 2026.
Once operational, the solution is projected to:
• Reduce natural gas usage at the Keyes plant by approximately 80%
• Generate an estimated US$32 million of incremental annual cash flow from energy savings
• Deliver a double-digit reduction in the carbon intensity of the plant’s fuel ethanol, increasing LCFS credits
• Expand eligibility for transferable Section 45Z production tax credits
This investment marks a significant step forward in Aemetis’ decarbonization strategy, complementing its Dairy Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program and recently approved CARB LCFS pathways https://sbi.com.in/.
Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis, added, “This MVR project represents a high-return, high-impact upgrade to our California ethanol facility. By working with Centuri’s EPC team and Praj’s proven technology, we expect to materially improve operating margins, strengthen cash flow, and capture the benefits of Section 45Z tax credits while advancing our commitment to delivering lower-carbon renewable fuels https://www.iea.org/.”
With a presence in the Americas for more than 30 years, Praj continues to be the decarbonization partner of choice for renewable energy companies seeking proven solutions.
Praj, India’s most accomplished industrial biotech company listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India, is driven by innovation, integration, and delivery capabilities. Over the past four decades, Praj has focused on environment, energy, and agri‐process industry, with more than 1,000 customer references spanning more than 100 countries across six continents. Bio‐Mobility® and Bio‐Prism® are the mainstays of Praj’s contribution to the global Bioeconomy. The Bio‐Mobility® platform offers technology solutions globally to produce the renewable transportation fuel, thus ensuring sustainable decarbonization through a circular bioeconomy. Fiinews.com
