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To produce methane gas from methane hydrate safely and without
harming the environment, we need to address many wide-ranging environmental
issues. For this reason, we must begin by undertaking the appropriate
inquiries and research. |
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Emissions of methane into the sea and atmosphere | |
| The MH21 Research Consortium project involves producing methane by dissociating natural methane hydrate present beneath the seafloor. Since it is undesirable for methane to leak into the sea or atmosphere during the production process, the MH21 Research Consortium is investigating production methods that will help ensure the absolute minimum of leaks during development and production. |
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Other environmental considerations | |
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Drilling wells as part of the development
of methane hydrate produces debris referred to as "cuttings."
In addition, it is anticipated that recovering methane from methane
hydrate-bearing layers will produce large quantities of water as a
by-product. The MH21 Research Consortium is currently investigating
the impact these and other actions may have on the environment. |
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Impact on marine life | |
| Very little research has been conducted on the impact of methane emissions on marine life, although this is clearly a critical issue. The MH21 Research Consortium is currently investigating the potential impact of production on marine life. |
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Impact on the earth | |
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Methane hydrate acts as a binding agent that holds together the sand and mud that make up the strata under the seafloor. It has been suggested that production may lead to land subsidence or landslides on the seafloor, as the strata becomes unstable following removal of this binding agent. The MH21 Research Consortium is currently investigating methods that will prevent destabilizing strata through the development and production of methane hydrate. |
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Environmental impact assessments before and after production testing |  |
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Basic offshore test boring is scheduled to take place in fiscal 2003, with offshore production tests planned for Phase 2 (fiscal 2007-2011). Before and after these drilling and production tests, various sensors and other equipment will be used to measure changes, if any, in the marine environment arising from these activities to assess their impact on marine life, the seafloor, and the surrounding water. The information gathered will be used to formulate a set of indices
for assessing the environmental impact of future production activities
and to help determine appropriate development and production systems,
with the ultimate goal of maintaining a healthy environment. In addition, the MH21 Research Consortium is pushing ahead with research on technologies for real-time monitoring of any methane leaks or shifting of the seafloor during production. |
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Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) | |
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Based on the assumption that offshore methane hydrate development
will be similar to oil and natural gas drilling and development
work, involving work with heavy equipment in extreme weather conditions
and rough seas, the safety issues must be carefully considered. |