Realizing the Energy Potential of Methane Hydrate for the United States

Natural gas, composed mostly of methane, is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels, emitting 25-50% less carbon dioxide than either oil or coal for each unit of energy produced. In recent years, natural gas supplied approximately 20-25% of all energy consumed in the United States. Methane hydrate is a potentially enormous and as yet untapped source of methane. The Department of Energy's Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program has been tasked since 2000 to implement and coordinate a national methane hydrate research effort to stimulate the development of knowledge and technology necessary for commercial production of methane from methane hydrate in a safe and environmentally responsible way.

Realizing the Energy Potential of Methane Hydrate for the United States evaluates the program's research projects and management processes since its congressional re-authorization in 2005, and presents recommendations for its future research and development initiatives.

Natural gas, composed mostly of methane, is the cleanest of all the fossil fuels, emitting 25-50% less carbon dioxide than either oil or coal for each unit of energy produced. In recent years, natural gas supplied approximately 20-25% of all energy consumed in the United States. Methane hydrate is a potentially enormous and as yet untapped source of methane. The Department of Energy's Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program has been tasked since 2000 to implement and coordinate a national methane hydrate research effort to stimulate the development of knowledge and technology necessary for commercial production of methane from methane hydrate in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Realizing the Energy Potential of Methane Hydrate for the United States evaluates the program's research projects and management processes since its congressional re-authorization in 2005, and presents recommendations for its future research and development initiatives. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Methane Hydrate Research in the United States2 State of the Science: Recent Advances and Current Challenges in Methane Hydrate Research3 Review of Central Research Efforts Within the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program4 Coordinating Process for the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Program5 Conclusions and RecommendationsAppendixesAppendix A: Legislative Authorization Language H.R. 6 – Energy Policy Act of 2005 Section 968. Methane Hydrate ResearchAppendix B: Committee and Staff Biographical SketchesAppendix C: Presentations to the CommitteeAppendix D: Comparison of Units of Measurement of Amounts of Methane by Volume and WeightAppendix E: Program Authorizations and Appropriations FY 2000-2010Appendix F: Project Summary Table