Italy-headed industrial group Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. has announced that MyRechemical, part of the Sustainable Technology Solutions business unit led by its subsidiary NextChem S.p.A, and the Netherlands-headed Dimeta B.V. have agreed to carry out a study to explore the feasibility of the development of plants to produce renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether (rDME) based on MyRechemical’s Waste-to-Chemicals technologies and expertise.
The feasibility study is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February between MyRechemical and Dimeta, a Dutch company created to advance the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether (rDME).
Dimeta, a joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International, aims to produce 300,000 tonnes of DME by the end of 2027, establishing plants in the UK, Europe, and the United States (US).
We are delighted to announce our continued progress in building upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as we embark on our next endeavor to reduce carbon emissions. Through the initiation of pre-feasibility studies, we aim to produce renewable and recycled carbon DME from waste, to decarbonise the off-grid sector. Dimeta remains steadfast in our efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2050, and this is a significant step towards our goal, said Frankie Ugboma, Chief Executive of Dimeta.
Innovative renewable fuel
rDME is an innovative fuel and a sustainable alternative for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) enabling the support of all thermal uses not served by the fossil gas network and for LPG-powered cars.
Furthermore, when blended with LPG, rDME can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve air quality, and decarbonize the off-grid sector with no changes to LPG appliances or infrastructure. It can also achieve carbon neutrality when carbon capture is used.
The study will assess the regulatory environment and carry out a market analysis of available feedstock and product enhancement in Europe, with a focus on Italy. Based on the results of the study, MyRechemical and Dimeta will work then to define the best development strategy for project implementation.
Within NextChem’s technology portfolio, the Waste to Chemical process developed by MyRechemical can convert municipal solid waste to methanol and then to DME, meeting the needs of the circular economy to decarbonize many industries and sectors, including transportation.
With this feasibility study, which adds to the initiatives we are conducting on circular ethanol, methanol, and hydrogen, we look forward to investigating the exciting market opportunities offered by the application of our proven Waste Gasification technology to the production of DME. We are pleased that our MoU with Dimeta is already moving forward with this first concrete result, said Giacomo Rispoli, Managing Director of MyRechemical.
