Dimethyl ether - a new synthetic fuel commodity and chemical building block

Dimethyl ether (DME) is recognized as a potential next-generation, environmentally benign commodity for energy storage and distribution, as well as a momentous chemical building block. DME can be produced at a competitive price from synthesis gas conveniently generated from a variety of carbon-containing feedstocks, such as coal, natural gas and other fossil methane resources, biomass, methane from anaerobic processes, etc. Expected in the near future, significant progress in DME mass production, as well as development of distribution and consumption technologies, can greatly alleviate the problems concerned with energy safety and lead to significant environmental and industrial benefits.