Economic Perspective of Methane from Hydrate

Abstract

Ever since the discovery of natural methane hydrate in the late 1960’s (Makogon et al, 1972), and the subsequent growing awareness of the enormous quantities of methane locked in them (e. g., Kvenvolden, 1993), research scientists have dreamt about recovering this gas to help satisfy the world’s demand for energy. The transition from a petroleum to a methane energy economy would also be environmentally positive because methane burns very cleanly, and produces less CO₂ per unit of energy than any other fossil fuel. In view of the ever-increasing concern about the environment, methane will likely become the single most important fuel for many decades to come. Natural methane hydrate potentially holds the promise of (i) energy independence to various countries including the USA, India and Japan, and (ii) enabling extending the use of methane and of the existing gas infrastructure.