U.S. Department of Energy Continues to Fund Dimethyl Ether (DME) Projects to Decarbonize Transportation

November 30, 2021

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(Oberon Fuels) Awards recognize DME as a viable, low-carbon solution for use in a variety of vehicles and as a variety of fuel types -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has awarded more than $4 million in funding to test novel applications of dimethyl ether (DME) as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. Oberon Fuels, the first company to produce renewable DME (rDME) in the US, is a supporting partner.

The funded projects include:

University of Wisconsin Madison for “Efficiency Mixing Controlled Compression Ignition Combustion of Propane DME Blends”
WM International Engineering L.L.C. in Darrien, Illinois, for a project entitled “High Pressure Fast Response Direct Injection System for Liquified Gas Fuels Use in Light-Duty Engines”

“This new round of funding for DME builds on its June 2021 award and is continued validation of renewable DME as an enabling molecule to decarbonize transportation,” said Rebecca Boudreaux, Ph.D., President and CEO of Oberon Fuels. “Oberon Fuels generates value from waste resources, creates family-wage jobs in rural areas, and reduces both pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through our rDME. We are honored to partner with the recipients of DOE awards.”

The funding was provided through the “Low GHG Vehicle Technologies Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement” to research, develop, and validate technologies that use DME to increase the efficiency of direct-injection engines. The partners will use the funding to develop new technologies to deliver efficient engine operations with near-zero emissions, which is a win-win for consumers and the environment.

Renewable DME significantly reduces emissions and carbon intensity when used in place of traditional fuels in three applications: as a blending agent with liquified petroleum gas (LPG, or propane); as a diesel replacement in compression ignition engines; and as an energy-dense, cost-effective means to transport and store renewable hydrogen. When produced using the Oberon process, the California Air Resources Board has calculated that dairy biogas-based rDME has an estimated carbon intensity (CI) value of -278 compared to ultra-low-sulfur diesel which has a CI around 100 gCO₂e/MJ. Renewable DME used as a transportation fuel can decarbonize the transportation sector while greatly reducing the emissions of particulate matter, greenhouse gases and other pollutants.

Founded in 2010 to provide innovative energy solutions to reduce emissions, waste, and carbon impact, Oberon Fuels is the only company currently producing renewable DME commercially. Beyond cleaner emissions, rDME from the Oberon Fuels process creates economic opportunity and jobs for rural economies by tying waste feedstock to multiple renewable fuel markets.

About Oberon Fuels

California-based Oberon Fuels is on a global mission to decarbonize transportation by producing a powerful, enabling molecule, dimethyl ether (DME). DME, which can range from being ultra-low carbon to carbon-negative, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector and beyond 1) as an energy-dense, cost-effective means to move renewable hydrogen, 2) as a blending agent for LPG, and 3) as a diesel replacement. Oberon has challenged the status quo by introducing innovative solutions to the transportation sector to reduce its carbon footprint, vehicle emissions and improve local air quality while creating economic opportunity for the communities where they operate. In 2013, Oberon Fuels’ refinery in Brawley, Calif., produced the first fuel-grade DME in North America, and in 2021 produced the first-ever renewable DME in the US. Oberon’s DME has powered vehicle demonstrations around the world with Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Ford, among others. Founded in 2010, Oberon Fuels is privately held with both private and strategic investors, including Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE: SPH).

More information about Oberon Fuels is available at www.oberonfuels.com. READ MORE

Oberon Fuels Expands Team to Drive Commercial Production (Oberon Fuels)

Excerpt from Oberon Fuels: “There is growing interest from governments, businesses and industries to reduce emissions and lower their carbon footprint which is driving demand for our renewable DME,” said Cinch Munson, Vice President for Commercial Development at Oberon Fuels. “The Oberon Fuels’ model of local feedstock, local production, and local use creates jobs in rural areas, adds value to waste products, and generates a versatile carbon-negative, renewable fuel. Our commercial development team brings all of this together.”

New team members include:

Jeffrey Wright, Director of Supply Development, brings deep experience in bioenergy project development and technologies. Most recently, he led business development, project development, partnership development, outreach and advocacy for projects throughout the Midwest, Great Plains and Great Lakes regions for Bioenergy DevCo, a leading developer of waste-to-energy facilities.
Jeff Waite, Director of Market Development, brings more than 30 years of experience in the global lubricants, renewables and fuels markets. During his extensive career at Chevron, he led domestic and global teams in product management, research & development, procurement, sales, marketing, engineering and joint ventures. Most recently, he led a global initiative to enter two new markets.
Weston Niner, Manager of Feedstock Development, brings a strong network of connections and experiences within the agricultural industry across the American Southwest. A third generation farmer, he brings lifelong knowledge of the agricultural industry, the challenges facing dairy, livestock, and growers, and the importance of rural economic development.

Founded in 2010 to provide innovative energy solutions to reduce emissions, waste, and carbon impact, Oberon Fuels is the only company currently producing renewable DME commercially. Beyond cleaner emissions, rDME from the Oberon Fuels process creates economic opportunity and jobs for rural economies by connecting waste feedstocks to multiple renewable fuel markets. READ MORE