Frontier Energy Series: Methane Hydrates

The CSIS Energy and National Security Program hosted Ray Boswell, Technology Manager for Methane Hydrates with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and Takami Kawamoto, Deputy Director General of the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Group with the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to discuss recent developments in methane hydrates. While global resource estimates vary greatly, methane hydrates, or ice compounds that contain natural gas, have largely been hailed as potential game changers. The energy content of the formations is immense and the United States, Canada and Japan have already carried out a number of projects investigating their potential. Nonetheless, technological and environmental challenges remain. The session, part of the program’s Frontier Energy Series, will focus on methane hydrate extraction technologies, the global resource base, public sector involvement and the potential for more mainstream adoption. Jane Nakano, Senior Fellow in the CSIS Energy and National Security Program, moderated.