Taking DME from the lab into reality

Sustainable and energy-efficient biofuels are needed to deal with the challenges of climate change and security of supply. Creating CO2-neutral transport involves more than developing engines optimized for renewable fuels. Obviously, it also requires the production and distribution of renewable fuels on a major scale.

Promotes the second generation biofuels
The BioDME project will show that change is possible and demonstrate the adaptations in infrastructure and engine technology needed to enable the introduction of DME - dimethyl ether - one of the second generation biofuels. The project is coordinated by Volvo Group.

- Development of sustainable biofuels calls for cooperation between players in many different areas. This project will demonstrate that this urgently needed change is possible, says Patrik Klintbom, Coordinator, Alternative Fuels and Urea, at Volvo Technology Corporation.

From production plant to trucks on duty
The BioDME project includes the entire technology chain from production plant via distribution network to filling stations. The final link consists of a fleet of Volvo trucks in a field test.

A strong future fuel candidate
From a holistic viewpoint, DME is one of the most promising second generation biofuels. DME produced from biomass is characterized by high overall energy efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions from "well to wheel". It is also non-toxic and produces very low exhaust emissions. But it requires a new kind of filling stations.

- DME is a gas handled in liquid form at low pressure. This means that dedicated filling stations are needed. But with major oil companies in the project, this will not be a problem for the planned vehicles to be tested, Patrik Klintbom concludes. 

Integrated production at paper mill
DME is produced by the gasification of biomass. The fuel production in the BioDME project relies on black liquor from a paper mill.