The BSI Public Available Standard (PAS) 6666 will ensure consistent safety, performance, and specification levels for appliances like rDME-ready boilers under the Gas Appliance Regulation. The purpose of the standard is to prescribe a way for manufacturers to design, test, and certify new appliances compatible with rDME and allow them to be placed on the market.

The renewable and recycled carbon rDME producer Dimeta, is leading the effort to ensure the future availability of these appliances for decarbonising the off-grid sector, in collaboration with Liquid Gas UK. Both institutions are supporting the application process for the new standard.

Dimeta is sponsoring the new standard for rDME and LPG-rDME blended appliances, aligning with the development of its renewable and recycled carbon rDME production facilities, such as its planned waste-to-rDME facility in Teesside, which is set to produce 60,000 tonnes of the gas annually, meeting 25% of the UK's LPG domestic heating demand.

A steering group of major boiler manufacturers, including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Rinnai, are also actively contributing to the development with input from government representatives.

Richard Hakeem, director of technical and safety policy at Liquid Gas UK, explains the importance of collaborating on an industry-endorsed standard.

'There's no specific standard for certifying appliances using pure rDME or rDME/LPG blends. Filling this gap exemplifies industry innovation and this standard will set performance expectations for credibly certifying these devices in the future,' he says.

Mr Hakeem hopes the standard will foster fair competition and open new markets for rDME appliances.

'It's important for safety, but also for competition because everybody must build the products to a specified level. There are no shortcuts to save money, so commercially everybody's in the same boat,' he adds.

Currently in its consultation phase and due for release in 2024, the standard supports the industry's goal to transition to 100% renewable sources by 2040.

Commenting on the standard's development, Stephen Hallet, Operations Director at Dimeta, said:

'Dimeta sees the creation of key standards for safely adopting 100% rDME and rDME/LPG blends as pivotal to our success. We took the opportunity to work with BSI based on their worldwide reputation and expertise.
 

'The PAS approach enables us to respond to market demand, expediting critical safety standards for appliance manufacturers, and increasing rDME/LPG appliance availability. This accelerates our transition to low-carbon fuels and decarbonisation objectives.'