ALIGN-CCUS: Production of dimethyl ether from CO2 and its use as energy carrier - Results from the CCU demonstration plant

For the first time a full CCU chain for the production of the e-fuel dimethyl ether (DME) from captured CO2 and electrolytically produced H2 was demonstrated in the European project ALIGN-CCUS. In addition to the development, construction and operation of the Power-to-DME plant, the demonstration comprised also the successful use of DME as a fuel for peak and back-up power generation (Power-to-DME-to-Power) and of OME (polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers, which can be produced from DME) as a fuel for passenger cars. Detailed and comprehensive comparative techno-economic analyses of Power-to-Fuel processes and Life Cycle Assessment following a “cradle-to-grave” approach provided the basis for the evaluation of the technology chain. Both objectives - to present the potential of CCU regarding climate protection and to demonstrate its benefit and socio-economic value as an element for large-scale energy storage and sector coupling - have been achieved.