India Aims to Cut LPG Imports by 20% Through DME Blending Amid Energy Crisis
Amid energy crisis, India could cut LPG imports by 20% blending with DME: Report
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
India, facing an energy crisis due to the West Asia conflict, is exploring a strategy to reduce LPG imports by 20% through blending with dimethyl ether (DME). A report suggests this could save approximately 6.3 million tonnes of LPG annually, utilizing domestically produced DME from coal gasification.
- 01India is the second largest importer of LPG, heavily impacted by global energy supply disruptions.
- 02Blending LPG with 20% dimethyl ether (DME) could reduce imports by 6.3 million tonnes annually.
- 03DME is a sustainable alternative fuel with low emissions, suitable for household cooking and industrial use.
- 04The Bureau of Indian Standards has approved DME-LPG blending standards.
- 05A clear blending policy is essential for scaling up domestic DME production.
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India, the world's second largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is significantly affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, a report from EY-Parthenon and New Era Cleantech Solution Ltd suggests that India could reduce its LPG imports by approximately 6.3 million tonnes annually by blending 20% dimethyl ether (DME) with LPG. DME, produced from coal gasification, is recognized as a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel, noted for its low emissions and thermal efficiency similar to traditional fuels. The Bureau of Indian Standards has already established guidelines allowing for this blending. Currently, India is in the early stages of domestic DME production, and experts emphasize that a clear blending policy will be crucial for attracting investments and expanding production capabilities. Countries with coal reserves, like China, are already leveraging coal gasification technologies for DME production, which could position India to enhance its energy security amidst global supply challenges.
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This initiative could enhance India's energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels, potentially lowering costs for consumers.
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