First-of-a-kind home in Europe utilising DME/LPG blends for heating

Dimeta is partnering with Delft University of Technology and The Green Village, a field lab for sustainable innovation, to demonstrate the use of DME/LPG blends in rural settings without modifying existing appliances.

Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is a global goal that demands the inclusion of rural communities in the energy transition. With over 137 million Europeans and one billion people worldwide residing and working in remote areas not connected to the main gas grid, it is crucial to address the energy needs of these off-grid regions. Currently, such communities heavily rely on high-carbon fossil fuels like oil or coal, as well as cleaner liquified petroleum gas (LPG), for daily activities such as heating, hot water, and cooking. However, the emergence of renewable liquid gases, such as Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME, presents an opportunity to transform these communities and move away from fossil fuels.

Partnering for Innovation

The start of our Renewable & Recycled Carbon DME journey at The Green Village sets the stage for sustainable innovation. Located at the Delft University of Technology Campus, this field lab serves as the testing ground for this project. A family residing in The Green Village will now receive their heating from a DME and LPG blend, making it the first house in Europe to embrace this sustainable heating solution.

Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME is a sustainable liquid gas produced through a variety of feedstocks such as residual waste. The chemical similarity between DME and LPG allows for DME to be blended into LPG up to 12%, enabling a seamless transition towards cleaner energy sources.

Dimeta has installed an off-the-shelf LPG boiler in The Green Village, providing heating and hot water, and has supplied cylinders of the DME/LPG blend to fuel these appliances. Additionally, plans are underway to install space heaters and cooking appliances, showcasing the versatility of DME as a fuel source. The project aims to gather user feedback on the performance of these appliances and highlight the environmental benefits of using DME to improve air quality by monitoring noxious emissions.

Testing at The Green Village

A standout benefit of The Green Village is its capacity to serve as a testbed for real-world evaluations of appliances. The facility’s archetype building designs, along with their well-understood thermal performance and flexible living arrangements, offer the ideal setting for testing DME applications beyond the laboratory setting. The expertise of The Green Village in demonstration and data collection is unmatched, further enhancing the credibility and reliability of the project’s findings.

“We are very happy to collaborate with Dimeta. With this trial, not only the technical aspects of using a DME/LPG blend will be tested. Our field lab provides relevant test facilities where residents can provide their feedback and Dimeta is able to gain knowledge on how to apply this gas within the framework of Dutch legislation.”

Lidewij Van Trigt, Energy Transition

Project Manager at The Green Village

Immediate Reduction in Emissions

In response to the urgent need to address the climate crisis, innovating through the blending of sustainable fuels into existing applications and infrastructure offers a tangible solution. This approach allows for an immediate reduction in emissions while simultaneously paving the way for future decarbonization efforts. By leveraging the production and use of Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME, a sustainable liquid gas derived from various feedstocks, including municipal waste, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 85%. Moreover, appliances and equipment can also be modified in situ to run on 100% DME, achieving even greater emissions savings.