California is set to become the first viable commercial market for dimethyl ether (DME), with a research and development facility planned for Los Angeles.
This week the Volvo announced a strategic partnership with Siemens to work on the development of electrical drive technology, charging technology, and battery management.
Buses going nanotech are a ways off, but Volvo is currently in the middle of a US$4.8 million research project to test whether there is a better way to design a car battery. Working with London’s Imperial College and several European companies, the project “Tomorrow’s Volvo Car” could lead to an even more energy efficient automobile, revolutionize battery technology, and reduce a car’s weight as well.
Last Thursday Chemrec launched the world’s first DME (dimethyl ether) fuel plant in Piteå, Sweden. The opening is a huge opportunity – Chemrec has worked with Volvo for several years to test the viability of DME as a trucking fuel. Now half of Sweden’s trucks could potentially run on DME.
I’ve already discussed DME (dimethyl ether), as a huge potential fuel source. Most renewable energy advocates have never heard of it, but there’s vast potential for it. DME burns cleanly, gives off no particulates, and is readily available since it is a byproduct of coal extraction, natural gas production, and can be poached from biomass. [...]
Biofuels. Solar. Wind. Tidal. Algae. Switchgrass. In the alternative energy debate, there are many sources of energy that are exotic, even “sexy.” There’s one source, however, that has much potential but falls under the radar: dimethyl ether, or DME. (more…)