Chapter 01 · Climate & transitionEnergy & Transition
Dimethyl ether (DME)
Definition
Dimethyl ether is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel with handling properties similar to liquefied petroleum gas, stored and transported as a lightly pressurised liquid. In combustion it releases significantly less NOx and particulate matter than fossil liquid fuels at comparable efficiency. DME is produced by catalytic dehydration of methanol, which can be sourced from biomass, waste or recycled CO2, enabling renewable and recycled-carbon DME that can be blended with or replace LPG.
References
Supports definition and framing.
Supports definition and framing.
Overview
What it means
A drop-in compatible pathway to decarbonise LPG-dependent cooking, heating and transport uses where electrification is hard.
How it is used
DME is used as an aerosol propellant, LPG blendstock, diesel substitute in adapted engines and a chemical feedstock; renewable DME features in off-grid energy-access strategies.
Why it matters
DME offers a lower-emission bridge for LPG markets and off-grid energy, linking methanol chemistry to clean-cooking and transport goals.