International DME Association launches North American Affairs Group, Chemrec’s LeBlanc named as director

15th December 2009

The International DME Association (IDA) has formed its North American Affairs Committee (NAAC), to actively promote the awareness and use of dimethyl ether (DME) as a renewable, low‐carbon diesel substitute throughout North America. Richard J LeBlanc, CEO of biorefinery developer Chemrec.

IDA Chairman Jean‐Alain Taupy of Total said, ‘We have seen significant growth in DME’s use as a clean fuel in Asia over the past few years, and with major changes now being proposed to legislation and regulations in North America regarding transportation fuels and environmental issues, the International DME Association has formed a committee to facilitate the inclusion of DME in relevant legislation, projects, and programs now underway or proposed.’

DME can be used as fuel in diesel engines, gasoline engines, and gas turbines, as a substitute for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for home heating and cooking applications, as well as its most common use today as an aerosol propellant. According to IDA, DME can be produced from a variety of abundant sources, including natural gas, coal, waste from pulp and paper mills, forest products, agricultural by‐products, municipal waste and dedicated fuel crops such as switchgrass.

‘The environmental benefits of DME are recognized around the world and we are pleased to be part of a trade organisation that will help to build awareness and acceptance of DME in North America,’ LeBlanc said. ‘Many research universities and government laboratories already have confirmed the merits of DME, and now we hope to promote increased production, distribution and use of DME in North America as is happening in Asia.’

Members of the IDA’s NAAC include energy and fuel producers Total and Methanex; engine technology companies Caterpillar, Volvo/Mack, and Alternative Fuel Technology; process suppliers Chemrec, Lurgi and Haldor Topsoe; and renewable and biofuel producers Genifuel, LCE BioEnergy, Blue Fuel Energy and Range Fuels; along with policy experts The Methanol Institute, and academics from Penn State University and the University of Utah.

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