Waste-to-DME Projects: Advancing Clean Energy Solutions for Decarbonization

Enerkem and Dimeta, two leading players in the clean energy industry, are joining forces to conduct feasibility studies for two large-scale projects converting waste into renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME). The projects aim to produce about 165,000 tons of DME annually from mixed residual waste, offering a sustainable solution for decarbonizing the off-grid energy sector.

DME is a clean-burning fuel that can be utilized for heating, cooking, transportation, and industrial applications. With its chemical similarity to LPG, DME can seamlessly integrate with existing LPG supply chains, effectively reducing emissions from over 200 million tons of LPG used globally annually for energy purposes.

The planned projects in northwest Europe and the U.S. Gulf Coast hold the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of more than 1 million LPG-heated homes when blended with LPG. The partnership between Dimeta and Enerkem marks a vital step towards achieving sustainable DME production capacity, aligning with Dimeta’s goal of creating over 300,000 tons of sustainable DME production capacity by 2027.

By leveraging waste-to-DME technology, the companies are making strides in the clean energy landscape, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. As they enter the feasibility phase, the journey towards front-end engineering and design signals a promising path to achieving their vision of transforming waste into renewable energy.