Aemetis, Praj Partner On Rs 2.5 Billion Low-Carbon Upgrade

08 Oct 2025 CW Team

Operational since 2011, the Aemetis Advanced Fuels Keyes plant utilises Praj’s ethanol technology and has consistently contributed to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and U.S. energy security.

The project has secured approximately Rs 1.6 billion ($19.7 million) in grants and tax credits from the California Energy Commission, Pacific Gas & Electric, and IRA Section 45Z tax credits. Scheduled for completion by Q2 2026, the MVR system is expected to:

Reduce natural gas consumption by around 80 per cent
Generate an additional Rs 2.7 billion ($32 million) in annual cash flow from energy savings
Achieve a double-digit reduction in the carbon intensity of ethanol
Expand eligibility for transferable Section 45Z production tax credits

This investment represents a major milestone in Aemetis’ wider decarbonisation roadmap, complementing its Dairy Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) programme and newly approved CARB LCFS pathways.

Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman of Praj Industries, commented, “Praj has been a trusted technology partner to Aemetis for over a decade. This deployment of advanced low-carbon solutions marks a critical next step in lowering ethanol’s carbon intensity while improving efficiency and profitability. Together with Aemetis and Centuri, we are driving tangible progress in the U.S. energy transition.”

Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis, added, “This MVR project represents a high-impact, high-return upgrade for our California facility. By leveraging Centuri’s EPC expertise and Praj’s proven technology, we aim to significantly enhance operating margins, strengthen cash flow, and capture the benefits of Section 45Z tax incentives while advancing our low-carbon fuel goals.”

Aemetis Inc. is advancing its decarbonisation strategy at its 65-million-gallon-per-year ethanol facility in Keyes, California, through a Rs 2.5 billion ($30 million) energy efficiency upgrade featuring a Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) system. The advanced low-carbon technology and key components for the system are being supplied by Praj Industries, while NPL Construction Co., a subsidiary of Centuri Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CTRI), is overseeing project execution and implementation.Operational since 2011, the Aemetis Advanced Fuels Keyes plant utilises Praj’s ethanol technology and has consistently contributed to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and U.S. energy security.The project has secured approximately Rs 1.6 billion ($19.7 million) in grants and tax credits from the California Energy Commission, Pacific Gas & Electric, and IRA Section 45Z tax credits. Scheduled for completion by Q2 2026, the MVR system is expected to:Reduce natural gas consumption by around 80 per centGenerate an additional Rs 2.7 billion ($32 million) in annual cash flow from energy savingsAchieve a double-digit reduction in the carbon intensity of ethanolExpand eligibility for transferable Section 45Z production tax creditsThis investment represents a major milestone in Aemetis’ wider decarbonisation roadmap, complementing its Dairy Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) programme and newly approved CARB LCFS pathways.Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman of Praj Industries, commented, “Praj has been a trusted technology partner to Aemetis for over a decade. This deployment of advanced low-carbon solutions marks a critical next step in lowering ethanol’s carbon intensity while improving efficiency and profitability. Together with Aemetis and Centuri, we are driving tangible progress in the U.S. energy transition.”Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis, added, “This MVR project represents a high-impact, high-return upgrade for our California facility. By leveraging Centuri’s EPC expertise and Praj’s proven technology, we aim to significantly enhance operating margins, strengthen cash flow, and capture the benefits of Section 45Z tax incentives while advancing our low-carbon fuel goals.”

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

Equipment

10 Mar 2026

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..