DME - the next-generation energy

What is "DME"?

Dimethyl Ether[DME] Chemical formula: CH3OCH3 — Dimethyl Ether [DME] Chemical formula: CH3OCH3

DME - Dimethylether

DME is a colourless, odourless, and nontoxic combustible gas with a similar chemical formula to ethanol but a different combination structure and is the simplest ether compound. DME is easy to liquefy.

Due to the high CO2 recycling rate during manufacture, it has high expectations in the e-Fuel (synthetic fuel) market as a new and renewable energy resource.

Alternative FUEL

Dimethyl ether (DME) is a synthetically produced ultra-low carbon molecule, effective for use as an alternative to diesel in compatible compression ignition diesel engines. DME is also commonly used in the chemical industry as an non-toxic aerosol propellant. As a blending agent for propan, DME is game-changing de-carbonizer.

Production of DME / BioDME

Dimethyl ether is a synthetic "second generation biofuel (BioDME), which can be produced from lignocellulosic biomass. The EU is considering Bio-DME in its potential biofuel mix in 2030.

Although dimethyl ether can be produced from fossil sources (natural gas, shale gas, coal ... ) - BUT it can be produced from biogas or methane, feedstocks extend to a variety

- of waste streams including

- agricultural waste,

- manure,

- food waste, and other

- non-fossil fuel sources.

DME from biogas, known as bioDME or rDME (renewable DME) can result in as much as a 68% reduction in greenhouse gases when compared to baseline diesel.

Graph: VOLVO Truck. Alternative Fuels(c) - Brochure

ENERGY CARRIERS OVERVIEW

The graph left presents an overview of the relationship between different energy sources and the production of fuels.

Bio-DME is a promising advanced bio-fuel for the disposal of conventional diesel fuel, which is one of the most relevant sources of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in urban centres and is already completely banned from some European cities.

Biogas >> Bio-Methan >> Bio-Methanol >> BioDME

A process is required to convert the bio-methane produced by a Biogas plant (with purifying unit) into bio-methanol. Then the next process is to convert this methanol into bio-DME. In addition to the MeOH to DME process, one of the technologies is also the conversion from CH4 to MeOH.

SET KOREA Visit 2024 - DME Producer

Translator and Partner Mr. Donk-Woo and Mr. Christian Marth — Translator and Partner Mr. Donk-Woo Lee and Mr. Christian Marth

Business Meetings in Korea

In May 2024, Mr Christian MARTH SET/CEO, was invited to Korea for business meetings with one of the pioneer company in DME research and production - Biofriends Inc.

Intensively meetings to the possibility of BioDME production from Biogas/Biomethan, possible plant scaling - and technical possibilities in H2 production and other processes were held. SET and Biofriends agreed to collaborate and develop technologies and projects together - especially as additional solution for existing Biogas Plants and in connection to untreated bio-waste fractions in cities.

Below - please see some pictures from the meeting: