A global survey of gas hydrate development and reserves: Specifically in the marine field

Gas hydrates, also known as methane hydrates, are formed due to the high hydraulic pressures present under the cold seabed over long periods of time. Gas hydrates are mainly composed of methane produced in the seabed by bacteria in the use of the remains of animals and plants as food. Often appearing as translucent or opaque ice, gas hydrates can be separated into water and methane gas, which can be burned at normal temperatures and pressures, giving this substance the nickname “combustible ice.” As global oil reserves continue to be depleted, scientists are regarding methane hydrates as a new energy source that is very likely to replace oil in the 21st century. According to reports by the United States Geological Survey, the potential natural gas energy that can be recovered from global methane hydrate formations is two times the amount of fossil fuel energy available to the world. Therefore, many countries that are deeply engaged in the development of gas hydrates, such as the United States, Japan, Canada, China, India, and Taiwan, hope that this new energy source can become a substitute for more conventional petroleum sources. Japan—the first country to develop methane hydrates—will be ready for commercial mass production in the eastern Japanese Nankai Trough prior to 2018, according to Japan׳s Methane Hydrate R&D Program-MH 21. However, the exploitation of methane hydrates in terrestrial permafrost requires less technical risk and costs. Joint explorations in areas of Alaska by the United States, Japan, and Canada will enter the preparation phase for commercial output as early as 2015. In Taiwan, cooperation with Germany and the United States has led to methane hydrate exploration and the initiation of drilling sampling in the South China Sea that is expected to be completed in 2016, with commercial production ready as soon as 2026.