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SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS

There are several emerging technologies in the area of methanol/DME production. The most
promising is the use of plasma arc for gasification. India is in an advantageous position in this
technology because India has an active Research and Technology Group to promote plasma
technology for waste disposal as well as there is an operating plant for gasification of MSW. A
pilot unit can be set up to test the suitability of different feedstocks for gasification with oxygen
and subsequent conversion of the syngas to methanol/DME in liquid phase reactor.
To meet the objective of carbon neutral production of transportation fuels, several new options
are being considered. Most of these possible options are in the laboratory or in the concept
stage. For the larger time frame and future technology development, Indian R & D could be
encouraged to work in the following emerging areas:
Development of catalyst and process for:
» CO methane reforming - for biogas conversion
2
» CO hydrogenation to syngas and single step DME from syngas
2
» Dual function catalyst for single step DME synthesis.
» Methanol synthesis catalyst for syngas with high CO concentration
2
» Catalyst for gasification of biomass
» Chemical looping & oxygen carrier
» Ongoing research activities in India for direct hydrogen production from sunlight could
be linked with the proposed R & D activities for methanol/DME synthesis from carbon
dioxide and hydrogen
» Development of larger scale plasma gasifier, and many more
The investment cost of production of methanol or DME will be higher for both fossil fuels
and, biomass than that of importing methanol at present. Therefore, Government support is
required to move in this direction. This will not only help India in ensuring energy security but
also managing the countries growing bio waste and associated environmental impact.

Methanol and DME Production: Survey and Roadmap | 2017 89