Pune-based scientists develop synthetic gas that can become an alternative to LPG

India’s heavy dependence on imported cooking fuel may soon get a small but significant breather. Scientists at the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) in Pune have developed an indigenous technology to produce Dimethyl Ether (DME), a clean-burning fuel that can be used as an alternative to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). According to a press release issued by the institute, the technology could help reduce the country’s reliance on imported LPG while supporting India’s push for energy self-reliance.

A cleaner fuel option emerges

The research team at CSIR-NCL has developed a patent-protected technology to produce Dimethyl Ether, a synthetic fuel known for burning cleanly. Scientists say DME can serve as a sustainable alternative to LPG and support the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat goal of strengthening domestic energy capabilities.

Energy security remains a pressing concern for India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its fossil energy needs. Global supply disruptions have also pushed LPG prices higher in recent years, affecting many households, especially those using subsidised cylinders under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

Why DME is getting attention

Dimethyl Ether is considered a cleaner fuel because it releases much lower amounts of soot, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter compared with many conventional fuels. At the same time, scientists say it offers thermal efficiency comparable to LPG.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has already laid down rules for its use. Under the standard IS 18698:2024, up to 20 per cent DME can be blended with LPG for domestic, commercial and industrial use.

Experts note that blending up to 8 per cent DME with LPG can be done without modifying existing LPG infrastructure such as cylinders, regulators, hoses or burners. That means households could potentially use the blended fuel without changing their current kitchen setups.

Big import bill, bigger savings potential

India imported nearly 21 million tonnes of LPG in 2024. Scientists estimate that replacing just 8 per cent of that with DME could save around ₹9,500 crore in foreign exchange every year.

For households under the Ujjwala scheme, the scale of demand is significant. Substituting part of LPG supply for the scheme’s 10.5 crore connections would require DME production capacity of about 1,300 tonnes per day.

Beyond kitchens: Other uses for DME

Apart from cooking fuel, DME has several industrial and commercial uses. It can work as an automotive fuel and also as a propellant in aerosol products, where it can replace ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

The compound also acts as a chemical intermediate in the production of lower olefins, dimethyl sulfate and methyl acetate.

How the technology works

The technology developed at CSIR-NCL converts methanol into Dimethyl Ether using a highly active and cost-effective catalyst. The research team was led by Thirumalaiswamy Raja, who combined catalyst chemistry with reactor engineering to build an efficient production process.

According to the institute’s release, the system allows DME production at about 10 bar pressure. This makes it possible to directly fill the fuel into LPG cylinders while keeping operational costs relatively low.

The process has already been scaled up to a pilot capacity of 250 kg per day.

Burner prototype tested

To make the technology more practical for everyday use, CSIR-NCL scientists have also designed a patented burner prototype. The burner can operate in a flexible mode — from 100 per cent LPG to 100 per cent DME, as well as any mixture in between.

The prototype has been tested for efficiency at the LPG Equipment Research Centre in Bengaluru.

Next step: Moving toward industrial scale

The institute is now preparing to build an industrial demonstration plant capable of producing 2.5 tonnes of DME per day. Scientists aim to set it up within the next six to nine months in collaboration with a process engineering partner.

If the demonstration succeeds, it could lead to commercial plants producing between 50 and 100 tonnes per day.

CSIR-NCL has also expressed interest in partnering with major oil public sector undertakings and bioenergy companies to scale up the technology.

Scientists say widespread adoption of DME could help India cut LPG imports, improve energy security and move towards a cleaner energy mix.

(Source: ANI)