PRODUCTS | SERVICES Products of the month Dimeta and Rinnai join forces to green the gas appliance industry Companies sign agreement to explore the decarbonisation of the LPG market D imeta, a global initiative aimed at accelerating the production and use of renewable and recycled carbon dimethyl ether (DME), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rinnai. This strategic partnership is dedicated to exploring innovative ways to decarbonise the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market in Europe by incorporating DME. Renewable and recycled carbon DME represents a groundbreaking development in the energy industry. This clean-burning, sustainable fuel can be synthesised from a variety of feedstocks including waste, biomass, or biogas and offers the potential to reduce emissions by up to 85% compared with traditional oil and diesel fuels. DME shares similar chemical properties to LPG and bioLPG, allowing it to be blended with existing LPG supplies. This presents a seamless route to reducing emissions in Europes LPG energy consumption, which stands at more than 13 million tonnes annually. Dimeta and Rinnai have set their sights on investigating the role of DME in conjunction with LPG, whether blended into existing appliances or as a stand-alone, 100% DME energy source. Their research encompasses applications in hot water systems, boilers, and dryers. Initially, this collaboration will be centred on the European market, with both companies pooling their expertise to demonstrate the significance of a comprehensive approach along the entire value chain. Rinnai Corporation envisions DME appliances becoming a vital component of its product line-up, which is already influential in off-grid sectors such as leisure, agriculture, and hospitality. Rinnai is a global supplier, distributing millions of appliances worldwide, and its venture into DME technology aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions. This announcement closely follows the approval of planning for Dimetas 150m renewable and recycled carbon DME production plant in the UK. Set to begin operations in 2025, this facility will produce more than 50,000 tonnes of DME from non-recyclable waste, equivalent to 25% of the UKs domestic heating LPG consumption. 62 November 2023 www.cibsejournal.com Dimeta aims to accelerate DME as a versatile and sustainable fuel solution, contributing to the transition of the off-grid power market away from LPG Dimeta is not stopping with the UK; it has additional plants in the development pipeline across Europe and the US, as part of its ambitious plan to achieve 300,000 tonnes of DME production capacity by 2027. Tony Gittings (pictured, left), managing director of Rinnai UK, shared his perspective, stating:Our LPG-fuelled products play a critical role in powering off-grid communities across the world. With more steps being taken to lower global emissions, being able to provide greener solutions is key on the road to net zero. Our collaboration with Dimeta will enable us to further explore the use of renewable liquid gases such as DME and how we can deliver quality appliances that not only work efficiently and affordably for our customers, but also contribute positively to the global environment. Frankie Ugboma (pictured, right), chief executive at Dimeta, emphasised the importance of collaboration and support across the supply chain. He believes partnerships with world-leading companies such as Rinnai will maximise opportunities for DME, particularly in the toughest-todecarbonise sectors, such as off-grid homes and businesses. Together, they aim to leverage their expertise and knowledge to discover innovative ways to decarbonise the LPG market and pave the way for a greener future. Established in February 2022, Dimeta is a joint venture between SHV Energy and UGI International, two of the worlds leading distributors of off-grid energy. Its mission is to drive the development and use of DME as a low carbon, sustainable liquid gas. By harnessing the expertise, financial backing, innovation capabilities and distribution power of SHV Energy and UGI International, Dimeta aims to accelerate DME as a versatile and sustainable fuel solution, helping to transition the off-grid power market away from LPG to sustainable, low carbon energy, and establish a net zero economy. Visit: www.rinnaiuk.com Tel: 020 7880 6245 Email: cibsedirectory@redactive.co.uk