Process analysis of low-temperature steam reforming of DME with integrated carbon capture

Enabling large-scale hydrogen imports to Europe via dimethyl ether (DME) requires mature low-temperature steam reforming technologies. This study evaluates the adaptation of state-of-the-art methanol steam reforming concepts to DME and establishes a process-level design framework with integrated carbon dioxide capture. Multiple configurations were systematically assessed in terms of efficiency, emissions, feedstock demand, energy consumption, and hydrogen yield. The results show that low-temperature reforming outperforms high-temperature concepts, achieving higher cold gas efficiency and lower direct carbon dioxide emissions. Deep decarbonization is enabled through the combination of water–gas shift integration and electrification using renewable electricity. An operational cost assessment indicates that electricity costs remain a minor contributor to operating expenditures, even for fully electrified systems, whereas DME feedstock costs dominate. These findings provide a quantitative benchmark for optimizing process design and integrating carbon capture within DME-based hydrogen transport systems.