Nearly all of today’s DME is used as a blend stock for LPG which in turn is primarily used for cooking
and heating. At blending levels below 20 vol %, the existing LPG blending facilities, local distribution
infrastructure and end-use equipment can be used with minimal (if any) modifications e making for
easy marketing. Currently, efforts are underway to commercialize DME as a high-quality diesel alternative.
Technical issues such as new fuel injection systems and new fuel additives have been solved and
solutions are currently being tested in fleets. This review will describe the history, status and future of
DME as a global fuel alternative and how it has and will be changing the global methanol industry.