Flogas Sweden, a DCC Energy business, has successfully inaugurated the world’s first facility for the industrial use of renewable dimethyl ether (rDME) in forging furnaces, in partnership with Björneborg Steel and Swerim.
The project, co financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, represents a significant step forward in demonstrating rDME as a viable, renewable alternative to liquid gas (LPG) in industrial heating applications.
Developed under the name “Demonstration of Environmentally Friendly Energy Gas”, the initiative showcases a full scale, end to end system, from storage and blending through to furnace operation. Importantly, the project demonstrates that rDME can be deployed using existing LPG infrastructure and equipment to a large extent, enabling industrial customers to transition to more sustainable fuels without major capital investment.
At the Karlskoga site, Flogas has established an rDME and LPG storage and blending facility, while working with Björneborg Steel to develop on site infrastructure for a forging furnace capable of switching between propane and rDME.
Following successful commissioning in early 2026, the system is now ready for full scale operation. rDME has been trialled within Björneborg Steel’s commercial production processes during spring 2026, marking a key milestone in validating performance under real industrial conditions.
Initial results are encouraging, with the project demonstrating strong operational performance alongside reduced NOx emissions. The system has been shown to operate effectively on 100% rDME, from tank to burner, while maintaining product quality and process stability.
The project also underscores the role of rDME as part of a broader energy transition, offering a practical route to reducing carbon emissions while supporting energy security through alternative fuels.
