Volvo receives support for field test of DME technology

The Swedish Energy Agency has granted AB Volvo SEK 12.8 M (£ 1.08m) in support for field testing of the third-generation DME technology for heavy vehicles. The field tests with the 14 trucks is part of a project comprising demonstration of the entire technology chain, from biomass to fuel in the trucks and also includes distribution and filling stations for DME. The first trucks are scheduled to be ready by the end of 2009.

In addition to AB Volvo, Chemrec, Delphi, ETC, Haldor Topsoe, Preem and Total are participating in the project as partners. Chemrec, ETC and Preem are also receiving support from the Energy Agency.

The SEA grant supplements the support being sought from the EU’s Seventh Framework Program (FP7), in which contract negotiations are in the final phase.

In June 2006, the Swedish Energy Agency granted AB Volvo SEK 62 M (£ 5.22m) in support for development of third-generation DME technology. It is this technology that will be tested in the field trials. AB Volvo is also investing major funds in the projects.