SACRAMENTO, Calif. & SAN DIEGO, (Oct. 20, 2021) — Oberon Fuels has joined the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, a technology-neutral trade association with a proven track record of supporting and expanding clean fuel standards. The membership reflects Oberon Fuels’ belief in the importance of having clean fuel standards in place across the country to level the playing field for clean, renewable, domestically produced fuels like the company’s dimethyl ether (DME).
“As a California company, we have seen first-hand the positive economic, environmental and social benefits of a clean fuel standard,” said Rebecca Boudreaux, Ph.D., president and CEO of Oberon Fuels. “The state’s landmark Low Carbon Fuel Standard has been instrumental in our growth, and now as we choose where to expand nationally, we are looking for similar opportunities in other states. The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition will be key to ensuring clean fuel standards across the United States.”
Renewable DME significantly reduces emissions and carbon intensity when used in place of traditional fuels in three applications: as an energy-dense, cost-effective means to transport and store renewable hydrogen; as a blending agent with liquified petroleum gas (LPG or propane); and as a diesel replacement in compression ignition engines. When produced using the Oberon process, the California Air Resources Board has calculated that dairy biogas-based rDME has an estimated carbon intensity (CI) value of -278. Renewable DME used as a transportation fuel can quickly decarbonize the transportation sector while greatly reducing the emissions of particulate matter, greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
“Oberon Fuels has been a leader when it comes to clean fuels,” said Graham Noyes, executive director of the LCFC. “From their early work to create standards for DME, to garnering support from major OEMs like Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Ford, to their current focus on decarbonizing the LPG/propane industry and unlocking the potential of hydrogen, Dr. Boudreaux and the team have shown the power of innovation and the benefits of clean fuel. We’re thrilled to have them as part of the coalition.”
Having clean fuel standards in states where there is significant feedstock such as dairy waste, industrial waste streams, and other materials can accelerate the development of a clean fuel industry within that state. The ability to produce fuel locally, from local waste and distribute for local consumption exponentially boosts the overall benefits in terms of reduced emissions and pollution, value creation and economic development and the creation of family-wage rural jobs. Low carbon fuel standards help make it all possible.
“With each state that adopts a clean fuel standard, we are seeing investment from both traditional fossil and renewable energy companies and organizations,” continued Dr. Boudreaux. “The time is now to ensure as many states as possible can realize the human value of clean energy – healthier people, prosperous communities and a sustainable planet for future generations.”
Founded in 2010 to provide innovative energy solutions to reduce emissions, waste, and carbon impact, Oberon Fuels is the only company currently producing renewable DME commercially. Beyond cleaner emissions, rDME from the Oberon Fuels process creates economic opportunity and jobs for rural economies by tying waste feedstock to multiple renewable fuel markets.
