DME will replace LPG from 2026
Jakarta, the government plans to replace Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) with Dimethyl Ether (DME) to meet the needs of the community. The plan to replace LPG to DME will begin in 2026. This step is part of the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on LPG imports and increase national energy security. DME is touted as an alternative fuel that is more environmentally friendly because it comes from natural gas, coal, or biomass.
In addition, its use is claimed to have similar characteristics to LPG so that it can be used for household to industrial needs. So, what exactly is DME and why is this fuel considered capable of replacing LPG in the future?
Dimethyl ether (DME) is an organic compound that can be produced from natural gas processing, processed petroleum, and other hydrocarbons. This substance has the chemical formula CH OCH, belonging to the simplest ether group that contains the element oxygen. DME is a gas under normal conditions, but is easily melted with low pressure so that it can be stored in a liquid form, similar to LPG.
In its use, DME can be used directly or as a mixture. Direct utilization means that DME is used purely 100 percent for industrial, transportation, and household needs. While the use as a mixture means that DME is mixed with LPG or LGV (Liquified Gas for Vehicle) with a certain composition to produce fuel with stable and safe characteristics.
The main advantages of DME
One of the main advantages of DME is the physical and chemical characteristics that are similar to LPG, so the infrastructure that is currently used for LPG can be reused with little adjustment. Gas cylinders, distribution pipes, and storage facilities can be reused. This is an important plus because the transition from LPG to DME does not require large investments in new infrastructure.
In addition, DME can be produced from various energy sources, including abundant raw materials in Indonesia such as low-calorie coal, biomass, organic waste, to coal methane gas (CBM). From these various options, the government considers that low-calorie coal is the most ideal raw material because of its large availability and more economical prices.
The DME calorific value reaches 7,749 kcal/kg, while LPG has a calorific value of around 12,076 kcal/kg. Although the DME heat value is lower, its density is higher, so the heat efficiency between DME and LPG is in the range of 1 to 1.6. In other words, to produce the same heat, the consumption of DME is a bit more, but the advantages in terms of the availability of raw materials and environmental impacts still make them attractive economically and strategically.
environmental aspect
From the environmental aspect, DME is also considered cleaner and safer than LPG. DME does not contain sulfur and does not produce particulates or nitrogen oxides (NOx) when burned. The flame tends to be bluer and more stable, indicating a more complete combustion process. In addition, DME also does not damage the ozone layer, is easily decomposed in the air, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent compared to LPG.
DME is also known to be non-toxic and non-corrosive, making it safer to store and transport. In the combustion process, the oxygen content helps produce a fast and efficient flame. Because it is gaseous, DME also does not leave residues or soot, making it more friendly for cookware and combustion systems.
future potential
With various advantages, DME has great potential to become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel alternative. The Indonesian government is committed to accelerating the transition to cleaner energy, and DME is one of the strategic steps in responding to future energy and environmental challenges.
