Milan, 15 November 2023 - MyRechemical, part of the Sustainable Technology Solutions business unit led by NEXTCHEM, and Dimeta B.V. have agreed to carry out a study to explore the feasibility for the development of plants to produce renewable and recycled carbon Dimethyl Ether (DME), a low-carbon sustainable liquid gas from waste, that can be used as a clean-burning fuel, based on MyRechemical’s Waste-to-Chemicals technologies and expertise.

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.

DME is an innovative fuel and a sustainable alternative for LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) able to support all thermal uses not served by the natural gas network and for LPG-powered cars. When blended with LPG, low-carbon DME can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and decarbonise the off-grid sector with no changes to LPG appliances or infrastructure. It can also achieve carbon neutrality when carbon capture is used.

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 decarbonise many industries and sectors, including transportation.

The feasibility study is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February between MyRechemical and Dimeta, a Dutch company created to advance the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon DME. 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 USA.

Giacomo Rispoli, Managing Director of MyRechemical: “With this feasibility study, which adds on 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.” 

Frankie Ugboma, Dimeta Chief Executive "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 & 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."