The Hindu Business Line : Govt to take up seismic survey on gas hydrates

The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) would undertake seismic survey for gas hydrates along the east and west coast of the country by early 2007.

The 100 sq km survey would cost about $4 million. The new seismic survey is expected to provide the data about the extent and volume of gas hydrates in these offshore areas, said an official with DGH. The gas hydrates are ice-like crystalline compounds that occur naturally within 200-500 m below the seabed. The gas hydrates comprise pure form of methane gas and fresh water. In the exclusive economic zone of India, they are found at sea depth of more than 800 m. The DGH is conducting the exploration of gas hydrates under National Gas Hydrate Programme, the official said.

Cleanest burning fuel

According to experts, natural gas recovered from gas hydrates is the cleanest-burning fuel. Initial surveys have indicated that gas hydrates in Indian offshore are about 1,894 trillion cubic metres, which is 1,900 times the current gas reserves of India.

Dr Himmat Singh, a former senior deputy director of the Indian Institute of Petroleum, says that gas hydrates have the potential of meeting global energy needs far into the 21st century. Indian gas hydrates can be tapped from the sea near to the coast and used for domestic consumption without hauling it over long distances, which is unlike natural gas, which has to be transported from foreign countries, Dr Singh said.

Dr Singh added that India gas hydrates could become commercially viable only after 10 to 15 years. More research and better drilling techniques are needed in the field.

In May 2006, DGH along with the National Institute of Oceanography had undertaken drilling exercises using Oceanographic research ship `Joides Resolution' for gas hydrates explorations. DGH drilled at multiple locations along the coast including Krishna-Godavari basin and Andaman seas. They have found the presence of hydrates at various locations, sources said. Sources said that research and explorations in gas hydrates is still in nascent stage, but it is a part of the country's strategic vision. By actively carrying research in this emerging area, India wants to gain global leadership.

Geological experts have pointed out that the estimates of total global carbon based on the inferences of gas hydrates and fossil fuels from both oceans and land deposits and atmosphere is about18 trillion tonnes, of which the gas hydrates alone amounts to 10 trillion tonnes - twice that of the carbon from fossil fuels.