Methane hydrates--a form of natural gas--are reported to exist in very largequantities in the seabed and in polar ice around the world. This relativelyunknown resource could potentially supply a long-term domestic fuel to the UnitedStates and the world that is plentiful and low in greenhouse gas emissions andunwanted production contaminants. Estimates put the available methane hydrateresources as providing energy possible for decades.

On the face of it, methane hydrates present an exciting set of potentialsolutions for many of the world's energy problems. However, both technical andmarket barriers make using this resource difficult. Estimates of the cost ofdeveloping a deep-water hydrate reserve and the needed flow rates and reservoirsize are huge and may require public-private and international partnerships, ifthe use of the resource even proves feasible at all.

This presentation focuses on technical issues that will affect the development ofhydrates as a fuel for use in North America. A basic economic frame of thehydrate production business is used to outline technology development needs. Geophysical, drilling, production, and transportation technology issues arediscussed.

Speakers:

William P. Dillon, Research Geologist, USGS, Woods Hole, MA
Emrys Jones, Chevron Research, La Habra, CA

Please call to reserve a seat: 202-296-5000 x1219 or email stpi@rand.org