DME - Dimethyl ether

Topsoe has developed a technology that can convert a waste product from the paper industry – black liquor – into a clean fuel, DME.

DME represents a highly competitive alternative to fossil fuels. DME can also be used for heating, cooking and electricity production.

DME and the environment

DME has high energy efficiency with minimal environmental impact. The exhaust from vehicles running on DME is very clean, because the level of soot, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants is significantly reduced.

Topsoe’s technology also converts other non-food renewable biomass such as residual products from forestry and agriculture and household waste into DME, meaning that the potential is extensive.

Case: DME

Sweden is one of the largest paper manufacturers in the world. It is estimated that DME produced from Swedish black liquor alone can replace 25% of all petrol and diesel consumption in Sweden.

Swedish paper mill Chemrec will be operating the first large scale pilot plant based on Topsoe technology, when the DME plant is on-stream in June 2010. The project will demonstrate that the technology can convert biomass into DME and covers the entire value chain from the production of DME to fuelling stations and cars running on DME. Car manufacturers have tested DME and Volvo Trucks has already named DME “the preferred fuel”.