Pune: In a significant step towards reducing India’s dependence on imported cooking fuel, scientists in Pune are developing a locally produced alternative that could reshape the country’s energy landscape, ANI reported.
Researchers at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory are working on Dimethyl Ether (DME), a clean fuel that can be used as a substitute for LPG. The project is being seen as part of India’s push towards self-reliance in energy.
Scientists say one of the key advantages of DME is that it can be produced within the country using resources such as coal, biomass and methanol, reducing the need for fuel imports. According to Dr T Raja, DME is similar to LPG in its usage and can be blended easily.
He explained that while there is a slight difference in energy value, DME can be mixed with LPG, propane and butane without affecting its effectiveness for both household and industrial use.
The research team also highlighted that DME has wider applications beyond cooking fuel. It can be used in LPG-powered autorickshaws and may even replace diesel generators in certain cases. Project scientist Samruddhi Mane said the technology has the potential to be used across multiple energy segments.
In the initial phase, scientists plan to introduce a blend of 20 per cent DME with 80 per cent LPG. One of the major advantages is that consumers may not need to change their existing stoves or cylinders, making the transition easier.
According to project scientist Akash Bhatkar, even this partial blending could lead to significant savings in foreign exchange by reducing LPG imports.
Researchers involved in the project said the work reflects growing confidence in India’s scientific capabilities. Team members, including Sheetal Gawli and Aditi Kamble, noted that the project has expanded over time and is now being developed at a larger scale as an energy-saving solution.
As India looks for cleaner and more self-reliant energy options, the development of DME in this Pune laboratory could play a key role in building a domestic fuel ecosystem and reducing import dependence, ANI stated.
