Evaluation of coal-based dimethyl ether production system using life cycle assessment in South Korea

Abstract Dimethyl ether is one of the sustainable energy sources because it is clean and easy to handle. DME can be produced from various materials such as coal, natural gas (NG), and biomass. Actually, NG-based DME plant is in operation in Korea. Many studies have also investigated NG-based processes and reactor design needed for use of dimethyl ether. Unlike the previous studies, this study focuses on DME production system using coal as a raw material. Coal is drawing attention as the upcoming energy source due to the depletion of oil in Korea. Whereas Korea depends entirely on imports for crude oil, coal can be supplied by domestic production. To decide coal as a raw material, we need to assess the competitiveness of coal. A life cycle assessment of coal-based DME production system was performed to evaluate environmental impact and energy consumption. The assessment of coal-based DME production system with respect to the environment and energy use is essential for sustainable DME production in Korea. The aim of this study was to analyze the amount of CO2 emission and energy consumption of coal-based DME production. The life cycle of DME production includes the mining of coal, pretreatment of the mined coal, transportation to the DME production plant, and DME conversion. Related data and the assumptions pertinent to South Korea are introduced and adopted as a case study.