India is pinning its hopes on developing gas hydrate extraction technology to significantly lessen its reliance on imported oil and natural gas, according to Dr Pawan Devangan, a Senior Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). The nation currently imports approximately 85 per cent of its oil and gas requirements.
However, substantial gas hydrates deposits, discovered in 2006 within the Krishna-Godavari basin, the Mahanadi basin, and the Andaman region, represent a potential turning point. These deposits are estimated to hold 1,894 trillion cubic metres of natural gas. If extraction becomes economically viable, they could contribute substantially to India’s energy independence.
The NIO scientist explained that gas hydrates are crystalline solids where gas molecules, predominantly methane, are enclosed within a lattice of water molecules. Upon dissociation at room temperature and pressure, a single cubic metre of gas hydrates can release an impressive 164 cubic metres of methane gas. The development of effective technology is crucial to unlock this potential.
The primary hurdle in harnessing gas hydrates lies in the technological challenges associated with their extraction. Currently, commercially viable extraction technology remains elusive. Various methods are under investigation globally to effectively dissociate the gas hydrates and release the trapped methane, but none have yet demonstrated consistent and economical performance at scale. The NIO scientist and his team are actively involved in researching and developing suitable extraction techniques tailored to India’s specific geological conditions.
One of the major challenges is the stability of gas hydrates. They exist under specific pressure and temperature conditions, typically found in deep sea or permafrost regions. Disturbing these conditions can lead to uncontrolled dissociation, potentially causing geological instability and the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Therefore, any extraction method must prioritise environmental safety and minimise the risk of unintended consequences.
Furthermore, the location of gas hydrates deposits, often in deep-sea environments, presents significant engineering and logistical difficulties. Developing infrastructure for deep sea mining, including pipelines and processing facilities, requires substantial investment and technological innovation. The economic feasibility of gas hydrates extraction is closely tied to overcoming these technological and logistical hurdles. India’s pursuit of energy independence hinges on successful innovation in this domain.
Research efforts are focusing on several extraction methods, including depressurisation, thermal stimulation, and inhibitor injection. Depressurisation involves reducing the pressure around the gas hydrates to induce dissociation. Thermal stimulation uses heat to raise the temperature and destabilise the hydrate structure. Inhibitor injection introduces chemicals that disrupt the hydrate lattice. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal approach may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the gas hydrates deposit. India is exploring all these options to secure future supply of natural gas.
Looking ahead, the successful development and deployment of gas hydrates extraction technology holds significant promise for India’s energy future. The potential to tap into this vast resource could dramatically reduce the country’s reliance on imported natural gas, bolstering its energy security and shielding it from volatile global energy markets. Achieving energy independence through gas hydrates would have profound economic and strategic implications for India.
Further exploration and assessment of India’s gas hydrates reserves are crucial to refine resource estimates and identify the most promising sites for pilot projects. Collaborations between research institutions like NIO, government agencies, and private sector companies will be essential to accelerate technology development and de-risk investment in this nascent field. International partnerships can also facilitate knowledge sharing and access to cutting-edge expertise in deep sea mining and gas hydrates extraction.
Beyond energy security, the development of gas hydrates technology could create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in India. A thriving gas hydrates industry would stimulate innovation in engineering, materials science, and offshore technology. It would also create demand for skilled workers in exploration, extraction, processing, and transportation. India’s commitment to sustainable development will necessitate stringent environmental safeguards and responsible resource management practices throughout the gas hydrates value chain.