Energy Resource Potential of Methane Hydrate

Course Summary

Natural gas which is predominantly methane (CH4) is recognized as clean burning and an important bridge fuel to a future where renewable energy sources are more common. Methane hydrate-molecules of natural gas trapped in an ice-like cage of water molecules represents a potentially vast methane resource for both the United States and the world. Recent discoveries of methane hydrate in arctic and deep water marine environments have highlighted the need for a better understanding of this substance as a natural storehouse of carbon and a potential energy resource.

This course aims to provide a simple but comprehensive explanation of what methane hydrate is, where it is found, it’s potential as a fuel source, and the current state of methane hydrate research activities. Methane hydrate science has advanced steadily over the past decade, and commercial-scale production of natural gas from methane hydrate deposits is growing more viable at each step.

Learning Objectives

• The Growing Need for Natural Gas
• Methane Hydrate Potential as a Fuel Source
  • Methane Hydrate Resource Pyramid
• Ice that Burns
  • What is Methane Hydrate?
  • Where is Methane Hydrate Found?
  • Methane Hydrate and Global Climate
• Producing Methane from Hydrate
• Studying Methane Hydrate
  • Early Studies of Methane Hydrate
  • An Era of Hydrate R&D is Born
  • Recent Field Studies
  • Major U S Field Projects
  • Experimental and Modeling Studies
  • Research Fellowships
  • A Robust and Balanced Program

Course Author

US Department of Energy

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Certificate of completion of the course

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