DME plant to rise in West Java

Construction of a fuel processing facility that will convert ethanol into dimethyl ether (DME) in Cirebon, West Java, Indonesia is due to start this November. The plant, which is a joint project between PT Pertamina an PT Arrtu Mega Energie, is expected to cost up to US$1.9 billion. The facility is expected to produce up to 1.7 million tons of ether per year. Ethanol feed stock will be sourced from other companies. (June 24, 2009)