Japan: ANRE Extracts Natural Gas from Methane Hydrate

On Tuesday, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) started the world’s first offshore production test to dissociate methane hydrate and extract natural gas off the coasts from Atsumi Peninsula to Shima Peninsula in Japan (Daini Atsumi Knoll), and confirmed the production of natural gas.

Methane hydrate is a compound material that consists of methane and water, crystallized in a low-temperature, high pressure state. A considerable amount of methane hydrate is estimated to be distributed in the marine zones surrounding Japan, and it is expected to be a natural gas resource in the future.

In late January, 2013, preparatory works began for the test to dissociate methane hydrate and extract natural gas off the coasts from Atsumi Peninsula to Shima Peninsula in Japan.

On March 12, 2013, the world’s first attempt of natural gas production was started as a part of the technical preparation that is required towards commercialization of methane hydrate.

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LNG World News Staff, March 15, 2013; Image: METI