The Chinese government is to support the development of dimethyl ether (DME), a gas derived from coal, as a possible alternative to diesel.  

A circular from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said standards for the use of DME as a civil fuel were being drawn up.  

Shell's coal gas project in China, the Chinese government is to support the development of dimethyl ether (DME), a gas derived from coal, as a possible alternative to diesel. [Xinhua]

A gas under normal pressure and temperature, DME could be compressed into a liquid and used as an alternative to diesel. Itslow emissions made it relatively environmentally friendly.  

Domestic and overseas research showed it was expected to becomea major fuel and was suitable for China's energy structure, said the circular.  

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