NextChem, MyRechemical and Dimeta explore production of dimethyl ether from waste

In order to offer to the market low-carbon solutions, NextChem and its subsidiary MyRechemical (Maire Tecnimont Group) have signed an agreement with Dimeta B.V. to explore new opportunities to develop plants for the production of renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME) from waste. Such a product, given its LPG-like properties, can be blended with conventional LPG thus helping to reduce its carbon footprint with no change to LPG appliances or infrastructure.

Dimeta is a Dutch joint venture (JV) between SHV Energy and UGI International that was established to advance the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon DME to accelerate the LPG industry’s transition to net zero. The organization has an ambitious goal to produce 300 000 t of DME by the end of 2027, establishing plants in the UK, Europe and US.

This low-carbon sustainable liquid gas can be obtained with innovative NextChem and MyRechemical technologies that convert municipal solid waste to methanol and then to DME. Under this agreement, the area of cooperation involves generating business cases where Dimeta will offtake DME in ongoing waste-to-methanol projects and new initiatives specifically targeting the production of renewable and recycled carbon DME.

In addition to this, NextChem and MyRechemical will explore other opportunities with Dimeta to cooperate in R&D activities such as the production of DME from biogas and biomethane.

Giacomo Rispoli, Managing Director of MyRechemical: “We are excited to explore with Dimeta further applications of our waste to chemicals technologies also to the strategic LPG sector. Renewable and recycled carbon DME from waste enables the transition to sustainable, low-carbon, low-emission energy by itself or blended with LPG, meeting the needs of the circular economy to decarbonise many industries and sectors, including transportation.”

Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive Officer of Dimeta: “The signing of the agreement between ourselves, NextChem and MyRechemical is an important milestone for Dimeta, building upon the announcement of our first renewable and recycled carbon DME plant in the UK. Both NextChem and MyRechemical are established experts in their field, and I look forward to seeing how we can deliver solutions for the energy transition together.”

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/16022023/nextchem-myrechemical-and-dimeta-explore-production-of-dimethyl-ether-from-waste/