GAS HYDRATES AN UNCONVENTIONAL RESOURCE FOR FUTURE

Abstract

Abstract

This paper presents an overcome of Gas hydrates (GH) as a potential alternate to India’s energy source. Gas hydrates are Icy-white crystalline form approximately 99% of gas and 1% of water which are found under high pressure & low temperature in places such as permafrost (polar) region, shallow offshore sediments of arctic &sub-arctic region, and Deep ocean sediments in the tropic regions. This term have attracted some Energy-Starving countries like India, China, Korea, Japan, etc., for its abundant occurrence & having the potential to fulfill the energy needs in future. The methane within Gas hydrates has been estimated to have more than 1500 times of India’s current natural gas reserves. By exploiting 10% of this gigantic treasure, we can fulfill all natural gas needs in India for 100yrs. Regarding GH exploration, Natural Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) was started in 1977 by Govt. of India and in NGHP Expedition-1, Cores and Cuttings of above 2800m (from 39 boreholes) have been collected. Krishna-Godavari basin, Mahanadi basin in east coast, Kerala-Konkan basin, and Andaman basin offshore are suggested for future production. Extraction of gas from GH will be done by thermal stimulation, depressurization and Inhibitor injection. This has also some environmental impacts. However in future, with suitable safety precautions & drilling techniques this will be the best unconventional energy resource