07 May 2024

Renewable & Recycled DME and its role in the energy transition

As the world faces the pressing need to transition towards sustainable energy solutions, innovative alternatives are emerging to meet these challenges. One such solution is Renewable & Recycled Carbon DME, a sustainable liquid gas with enormous potential in the energy transition. This article aims to shed light on what DME is and its significant role in shaping a more sustainable future.

What is Renewable & Recycled Carbon DME?

Renewable & Recycled Carbon dimethyl ether (DME) is a safe, clean-burning, sustainable liquid gas that can be produced through renewable and recycled carbon pathways. It can be made from various proven technology pathways using renewable feedstocks such as mixed waste or biogas. DME, with its simple molecular structure and clean-burning properties, including lower emissions, can be a cleaner substitute for conventional fuels like diesel or oil and cleaner liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The role of DME in the energy transition

Over 300 million tonnes of LPG are used annually across all six continents, of which 44% is in the domestic sector for applications such as cooking and heating, followed by the chemical sector (28%) and industry (10%).
While LPG emits less CO2 and other emissions, such as particulate matter (PM), than other fossil fuels, there is still a need to mitigate its environmental impact in the long term. Renewable liquid gases can be used across various LPG applications as a drop-in solution to decarbonize the LPG industry and achieve net-zero emissions.
The need to move away from fossil fuels to safeguard environmental and public health challenges is more urgent than ever. Over one billion people live and work in rural, remote areas not connected to the main gas grid.
In these off-grid areas, gas and electricity networks are limited, leading to a heavy reliance on high-carbon fossil fuels such as LPG for daily activities and operations such as heating, hot water, cooking, or generating power.
Renewable and recycled carbon DME is chemically similar to LPG and can be easily transported using the existing LPG supply chain as a liquid in pressurized cylinders and tanks. It can be blended into LPG up to 12% in existing off-grid heating, cooking, and industrial applications without modifying equipment or appliances.
DME can also be used in 100% pure form, particularly for large commercial and industrial users, with minor modifications to infrastructure and a dedicated DME boiler. Such is the attractiveness of DME as fuel for the future that leading global manufacturers are exploring 100% DME-dedicated appliances, including hot water production systems, boilers, and dryers.

Benefits of Renewable & Recycled Carbon DME

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Sustainable solution

Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME is made from sustainable feedstocks, such as waste. It can reduce greenhouse emissions by up to 85% compared to oil and diesel and support the decarbonization of the off-grid sector in heating, cooking, transport, and industrial applications. It can also achieve over 100% emissions savings when carbon capture is used. 

Contributing to tackling climate change

Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME can also improve air quality compared to fossil fuels, thus improving the well-being of local communities due to the lower emissions of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and zero emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), supporting a transition towards a greener future.

Adaptability

As it is chemically similar, Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME can be blended with LPG in existing supply chains, providing immediate emissions reduction for the consumer and significantly contributing to LPG’s de-fossilization.

Safe solution

Due to its chemical properties, Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME is a fuel that is safe to handle compared to other traditional fuels. DME has been used for decades in the chemicals sector and is a common product in aerosols such as hairsprays used by individuals worldwide. 

Clear demand

There is a clear need and demand for renewable liquid gas solutions in the transition to Net Zero. For many applications using LPG or high-carbon oil or coal, solutions such as hydrogen or electrification will not be suitable due to geographical, practical or affordability reasons. Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME can be produced locally, mitigating dependence on fossil fuels or electricity and optimizing the supply chain and related costs.  

Circular Economy

Investments in Renewable and Recycled Carbon DME will create numerous green jobs, enhance local economies, and promote overall developments in the renewable energy sector. Moreover, using renewable feedstocks such as waste to produce this sustainable fuel allows countries worldwide to manage their waste and produce clean energy sources efficiently. This resource is more effective than burning or landfilling and can prevent the local pollution associated with landfills.