DME as Alternative Energy Source

Dimenthyl Ether (DME)  with the chemical formula CH3 O CH3 is the simplest ether compounds and can be be a source of clean alternative energy and environmentally friendly. This alternative energy source has advantages compared with other energy sources, which can be produced from several sources, such as biomass, waste and agricultural products, and it could be from fossil fuels, such as natural gas and new stone.

Alternative Energy Source

According to an expert who is also Head of Renewable Energy PTPSE-BPPT, Erlan Rosyadi this alternative energy source have characteristics like LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), and for treatment for their storage is not much different from the handling og lPG is widely used as household fuel.

Indonesia has the potential to produce DME nationally because the source country of biomass and coal resources in this country is very abundant. However, the use of DME in Indonesia is still limited to the use of propellant only. Utilization foe fuel household sector and the transport sector are being planned and should be implemented immidiately.

Meanwhile, in some countries such as China and Brasil have been using DME as a mixture of LPG for fuel needs in the household sector. And some countries in Europe and Japan use DME fuel for vehicles.

Increases use of LPG in the household sector and the production of LPG in the country are likely to remain, the use of DME in the household sector should be done. "It needs  government support in the form of regulations, trade regulation, and incentives, so that investors can be confident doing busuness DME immediately, "said Erlan.

Related to the utilizationof alternative energy source as the DME in the household sector and transport, PTSE_BPPT has conducted several studies and trials with the ultimate goal of reducing dependence on imported LPG and increase national energy security.