Gas hydrates and more specifically methane hydrates are an untapped source of energy that should be exploited in the coming years. It is widely known humans obtain too much energy from burning fossil fuels. However, this has caused the warming of our planet to accelerate with catastrophic consequences. People have known about the energy capabilities of gas hydrates for some time, but it is not until recently that researchers have begun the process of testing whether it is feasible. Some will argue that it is not economically wise and it could have unintended harmful affects on the environment. However, I believe the benefits outweigh the costs and further resources and research should intensify. Gas hydrates are molecules of gas that are trapped in crystalline cells and are formed from water and gas when under certain pressure and temperature conditions. (Joseph) This occurs when temperature is above zero degrees Celsius and when pressure is greater than one atmosphere. (NOAA) The most common gas hydrate is derived from methane. Methane hydrates only occur as a solid in specific pressure-temperature conditions. Otherwise, they are only gases and can’t be used for energy. (Ruppel) Methane hydrates are usually found in continental margins and permafrost. (Kwon) The hydrates are found where the seabed descends rapidly into the ocean floor on the edge of continental margins. (BBC) Gas hydrates have enormous potential for energy. In the research article by Makogon, he says there is an estimated 15 * 1012 toe of gas hydrates in our planet. If we were to only produce 17-20% of this resource, it would fulfill our supply of energy for the next 200 years. (Makogon) According to the Gas Hydrates Project, gas hydrates in permafrost will be the first to be commercialized and exploited. (USGS) Likewise, on the Alaskan North Slope, estimates say there are 590 trillion cubic feet of gas within the gas hydrates. (Howe) This resource should be exploited as soon as it can be done in an economic way. Countries have begun to realize this as “the USA, Japan, India, China, Korea, and Germany, have national programs for studying hydrates, and industrial production of natural gas from hydrates” (Makogon). However, it seems as if the results from these studies go unnoticed by the energy industry. It is paramount that we put in the necessary technology and money in order to produce energy from the vast amounts of gas hydrates. Much of the technology to extract gas hydrates is already in place. Techniques such as thermal stimulation, depressurization, and chemical inhibition are all feasible ways to extract methane hydrates. (Ruppel) First, opponents will argue using gas hydrates for energy is not economically feasible. Right now it is more economically feasible to exploit conventional gas reserves than reservoirs that contain only gas hydrates. (Walsh) Thus, on a strictly economic basis, the mass production of gas hydrates can not take place right now. This is why money must go into technology that can make the exploitation of gas hydrates economically feasible. The study by Walsh concludes that the scenario of gas hydrates contributing to the Earth’s energy is reasonable in the near future. Second, others will argue gas hydrates should not be used for energy since it is too harmful
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Since methane is a fossil fuel, it contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect. Thus, people argue methane hydrates should not be used for energy since it is accelerating the warming of the planet. With current technology, it is almost impossible for methane to not escape when extracting it. Also, submarine landslides can occur as a result of destabilizing the seabed. (BBC) While this is true, methane hydrates are significantly better for the environment than oil, coal, and natural gas. Until renewable energy such as solar and wind can be mass produced at the market level we should invest in the exploitation of gas hydrates. As was previously stated, gas hydrates are plentiful and thus should be taken advantage of. For example, “there is more energy in methane hydrates than in all the world's oil, coal and gas put together” (BBC). Our current forms of non-renewable energy are rapidly depleting and the cost is rising as it is getting more difficult and dangerous to
Since methane is a fossil fuel, it contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect. Thus, people argue methane hydrates should not be used for energy since it is accelerating the warming of the planet. With current technology, it is almost impossible for methane to not escape when extracting it. Also, submarine landslides can occur as a result of destabilizing the seabed. (BBC) While this is true, methane hydrates are significantly better for the environment than oil, coal, and natural gas. Until renewable energy such as solar and wind can be mass produced at the market level we should invest in the exploitation of gas hydrates. As was previously stated, gas hydrates are plentiful and thus should be taken advantage of. For example, “there is more energy in methane hydrates than in all the world's oil, coal and gas put together” (BBC). Our current forms of non-renewable energy are rapidly depleting and the cost is rising as it is getting more difficult and dangerous to