The Tamil connect to a new domestic fuel from CSIR
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims·
Why in news
CSIR-NCL Pune scientists are developing an indirect Dimethyl Ether (DME) production technology from methanol as a domestic fuel alternative.
Background
The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) team, led by Senior Principal Scientist Raja Thirumalaiswamy, is developing a high-efficiency DME production method. ONGC is partnering with the lab to produce 2.5 tonnes of DME daily at its Hazira facility.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TDimethyl Ether (DME) is being developed as an alternative fuel source to traditional LPG.
- BodyCSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) is located in Pune.
- FactONGC is partnering with CSIR-NCL to produce 2.5 tonnes of DME daily at the Hazira facility.
- S&TThe DME production technology uses an indirect method utilizing methanol as a feedstock.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the potential of Dimethyl Ether (DME) as a viable alternative to LPG in India's energy transition and the role of R&D in achieving fuel self-reliance.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Energy security: Reducing reliance on imported LPG through indigenous chemical synthesis
- Technological leap: High-efficiency DME production as a catalyst for industrial decarbonization
- Public-Private Partnership: Synergy between CSIR research and ONGC industrial scaling
Keywords: Energy Transition · Fuel Self-reliance · Chemical Engineering · Decarbonization · R&D Innovation
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