SYLLABUS
GS-3: Energy security; Development of alternative sources of energy; Clean fuel and low-carbon technologies; New and emerging energy technologies; Infrastructure (energy infrastructure)
Context: Recently, a research team at CSIR-NCL has developed a patent-protected technology for the production of Dimethyl Ether (DME), a synthetic fuel and a potential alternative to LPG.
About the Technology
• Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, the technology improves both the catalyst design and process engineering.
• It is designed as an indigenous, clean fuel alternative that can be blended with LPG and used for domestic and industrial applications.
• A special technology has developed a catalyst that enables efficient conversion of methanol into DME.
• The process operates at around 10 bar pressure, allowing DME to be directly filled into cylinders, making storage and transport convenient.
• Methane (natural gas) serves as an indirect feedstock and is converted into syngas (CO and H2), then into methanol, which is used to produce DME.
• A flexible burner prototype has been developed, capable of operating from 100% LPG to 100% DME, including intermediate blends.
• Production Pathways and Feedstock Flexibility: DME is produced from methanol, which can be derived from multiple sources such as Natural gas (via syngas), Coal, Biomass (agricultural residues), and captured carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- This makes DME a feedstock-flexible and future-ready fuel, supporting both conventional and renewable energy pathways.
• Regulatory Framework and Blending Provisions: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified IS 18698:2024, permitting blending of up to 20% DME with LPG for domestic, commercial, and industrial use.
- Studies indicate that up to 8% blending can be carried out without any modification to existing LPG infrastructure, such as cylinders, regulators, hoses, or burners.
About the Dimethyl Ether (DME)
• It is a colourless, non-toxic, and highly flammable gas, used as an eco-friendly aerosol propellant, refrigerant, and clean-burning fuel.
• It can be produced from natural gas, coal, or biomass, and serves as a sustainable alternative to diesel or LPG.
• It is considered a “second-generation” alternative fuel with a high cetane number (>55), making it suitable for compression ignition engines.
• Properties:
- It is the simplest ether with a characteristic odour.
- It can be easily liquefied under mild pressure (around 10 bar at 40°C), enabling LPG-like storage and transport.
- It produces low particulate emissions and no soot.
• Applications:
- It can be used as a substitute for petroleum-based fuels like Diesel and LPG.
- Used in Hairsprays, Deodorants, and Shampoos due to its non-toxic nature and solubility.
- Serves as a chemical intermediate (dimethyl sulfate, methyl acetate, and lower olefins).
- Mixtures of DME and propane are used in over-the-counter “freeze sprays” to treat warts.
- Recently used to power the first DME-fuelled tractors, offering a smokeless exhaust for farm environments
Significance of this Technological Development
• Energy Security: India imports over 80% of its fossil fuel needs. Recent global disruptions have increased LPG prices, impacting households, particularly beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
• Cleaner Fuel Option: It emits significantly lower soot, NOx, SOx, and particulate matter than conventional fuels, while offering thermal efficiency comparable to LPG.
• Reduction in Import Bill: India imported nearly 21 million tonnes of LPG in 2024, and replacing just 8% LPG with DME could save about ₹9,500 crore annually in foreign exchange.
• Uses beyond Kitchen: It can serve as an automotive fuel, act as a propellant replacing ozone-depleting CFCs, and function as a chemical intermediate for producing olefins, dimethyl sulfate, and methyl acetate.
• Climate and Circular Economy Potential: DME can be produced from captured CO₂ (flue gas) using advanced catalytic processes and green hydrogen. This supports carbon capture, utilisation, and clean fuel production, contributing to climate mitigation.
Government Initiatives to Reduce Import Dependency on Petroleum
• SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation): Launched to promote Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) produced from agricultural residue, cattle dung, and municipal solid waste as an alternative automotive fuel.
• Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP): The government advanced the target to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20), promoting cleaner combustion in engines.
• National Policy on Biofuels, 2018: Permits the use of diverse feedstocks (sugar/starch crops) for biofuel production and promotes biodiesel blending.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to make India a global hub for the production and export of Green Hydrogen, serving as a sustainable fuel for the industrial and transport sectors.
• FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles): Incentivises the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) and supports the development of charging infrastructure to reduce reliance on petroleum-based transportation.
• Methanol Economy Programme (NITI Aayog): Aims to reduce fuel bills and greenhouse gas emissions by blending methanol (derived from high-ash coal and solid waste) in transportation.
• GOBAR-DHAN Scheme (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources): Converts cattle dung and farm waste into biogas, supporting rural energy needs and reducing pollution.