Dimethyl Ether Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Raw Material (Bio Based, Fossil Fuel Based and Other Raw Materials), Application, and By Geography

Dimethyl Ether Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Raw Material (Bio Based, Fossil Fuel Based and Other Raw Materials), Application, and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Dimethyl Ether Market is accounted for $5.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $14.7 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period. Dimethyl ether (DME) is a colorless gas with a faint ethereal odor. Chemically, it consists of two methyl groups attached to an oxygen atom. It's commonly used as an aerosol propellant, refrigerant, and as a clean-burning alternative fuel. DME is produced through the dehydration of methanol, a process that involves removing water molecules. It exhibits low toxicity and is biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly. DME's properties make it a versatile compound with potential applications in various industries seeking cleaner energy alternatives.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the cumulative value of liquefied petroleum gas production in the first ten months of 2022 accounted for 41,071 kilotons, compared to 40,009 kilotons during the same period in the previous year.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Energy security and diversification

DME offers a diversified energy source that can be produced from a wide range of feedstocks, including natural gas, coal, biomass, and renewable sources. This versatility reduces reliance on a single energy source, enhancing energy security by mitigating supply chain risks and vulnerabilities. Moreover, production from diverse feedstocks helps to diversify energy portfolios, which is driving this market further.

Restraint:

High cost

The conversion of natural gas or coal into DME requires specialized equipment and energy-intensive processes, which contribute to the overall production costs. Limited economies of scale result in higher production costs as infrastructure and operational expenses are distributed over a smaller output volume. In addition, the availability and accessibility of raw materials also impact the cost of the DME market.

Opportunity:

Technological advancements

Innovative technologies are continually being developed to enhance DME synthesis from various feedstocks, including natural gas, coal, biomass, and renewable sources. Processes like syngas fermentation and bio-methanol synthesis offer sustainable pathways to produce DME, aligning with global sustainability goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, driving its acceptance and adoption across various sectors.

Threat:

Limited consumer awareness

Compared to well-established fuels like gasoline and diesel, DME is still relatively unknown to the general public. The availability and accessibility of DME infrastructure, such as refueling stations or distribution networks, have been limited. Furthermore, without a well-developed infrastructure, consumers may be hesitant to invest in DME-powered vehicles or appliances, further contributing to the limited consumer awareness.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had several negative impacts on the Dimethyl Ether (DME) market, disrupting supply chains, reducing demand, and affecting investment decisions. The pandemic-induced economic slowdown led to decreased industrial activity and transportation, resulting in a decline in DME consumption across various sectors. Furthermore, delays in logistics and transportation further exacerbated supply chain challenges, leading to supply shortages and increased costs, thereby hampering this market.

The fossil fuel based segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The fossil fuel based segment is estimated to hold the largest share because it serves as a promising alternative to traditional hydrocarbon fuels, particularly diesel. Originating from coal or natural gas, DME is produced by first turning these fossil fuels into syngas, which is a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide; subsequently, methanol is synthesized; and finally, the product is dehydrated to produce DME. Additionally, its clean-burning characteristics align with tightening emissions regulations, fostering its adoption in regions aiming to improve air quality, which is driving this segment’s expansion.

The LPG blending segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The LPG blending segment is anticipated to have highest CAGR during the forecast period. LPG, primarily composed of propane and butane, is widely used for cooking, heating, and transportation. By blending DME with LPG, the resulting fuel gains enhanced combustion characteristics, including improved vaporization and combustion stability. Furthermore, this blending aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, which thereby boosts this segment’s growth.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific commanded the largest market share during the extrapolated period. This region boasts significant industrialization, urbanization, and a burgeoning population, which has led to a rising demand for energy and fuel alternatives. Countries like China, Japan, and India are investing in DME production infrastructure and technology development to capitalize on its potential as a clean-burning fuel. In addition, initiatives promoting cleaner energy solutions, stringent emissions regulations, and the development of transportation infrastructure for alternative fuels are driving the adoption of DME in the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe is expected to witness highest CAGR over the projection period, owing to various factors, including regulatory initiatives and an increasing focus on sustainable energy solutions. Key players such as Mitsubishi Corporation, Akzo Nobel N.V., and Korea Gas Corporation are increasingly embracing DME as a clean-burning alternative fuel, particularly in transportation and heating applications. Moreover, the evolving energy landscape, coupled with favorable regulatory frameworks and technological innovations, is fueling the growth of the DME market in the region.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in the Dimethyl Ether Market include China Energy Limited, Akzo Nobel N.V., The Chemours Company, Jiutai Energy Group, Zagros Petrochemical Company, Oberon Fuels, Mitsubishi Corporation, Grillo Werke AG, Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Ferrostaal GmbH.

Key Developments:

In January 2024, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce that Isuzu Motors Ltd. (Isuzu) became a new signatory to an agreement previously reached by MC and four other interests to collaborate on digital transformations (DX) in regional public transportation.

In January 2024, Shell has reached an agreement to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to Renaissance, a consortium of five companies comprising four exploration and production companies based in Nigeria and an international energy group.

Raw Materials Covered:
• Bio Based
• Fossil Fuel Based
• Other Raw Materials

Applications Covered:
• Industrial
• Aerosol Propellant
• LPG Blending
• Transportation Fuel

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances