AB Volvo Receives Support for Field Test of Dimethyl Ether (DME) Technology for Heavy Vehicles

April 3, 2008 – Vol.13 No.2

AB Volvo Receives Support for Field Test of Dimethyl Ether (DME) Technology for Heavy Vehicles.

The Swedish Energy Agency has granted AB Volvo SEK 12.8 million ($2 million) in support for field testing of third-generation DME technology for heavy vehicles. Volvo’s own studies have shown that DME has potential to become a highly competitive renewable alternative to today’s fossil fuels.

Field tests with 14 trucks are part of a project comprising demonstration of the entire technology chain, from biomass to fuel in the trucks and also includes distribution and tanking stations for DME. The first trucks are scheduled to be placed in traffic at the end of 2009.

DME is characterized by high energy efficiency and very low exhaust emissions, due among other factors to soot-free combustion. DME is handled as a liquid in pressure vessels, at low pressure, similar to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (Propane). DME is produced through gasification of biomass or fossil raw materials. The gas that is formed, synthetic gas, is then catalyzed to produce DME. DME is already used today as propellant gas in spray cans. Since 2004, DME has grown rapidly in the energy sector. In just a few years, China has increased world production of DME tenfold, primarily as household energy.

In June 2006, the Swedish Energy Agency granted AB Volvo SEK 62 million ($ 9.7 million)in support for development of third-generation DME technology. It is this technology that will be tested in the field trials. AB Volvo is also investing major funds in the projects.

The Volvo Group, of G–teborg, Sweden, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services. (4/2/08)

Links:

Volvo Group
http://www.volvo.com

The Clock Ticks On The Need For New Fuels: Volvo Demonstrates A Sampling Of Possibilities.

Where’s DME?

New Clean Fuel.

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No