Future Utilization of Gas Hydrate Resources in Polar Regions

A great amount of gas hydrates occurs in polar regions. They are dominated by the type of sand rich reservoir which is relatively easier to be put into exploration and commercial production. Therefore, gas hydrates in the polar region are regarded as a kind of important strategic energy sources of the world. In this paper, upon the distribution of gas hydrate, we made an assessment of gas hydrate resource, and reviewed the gas hydrate resource pyramid in the polar regions. Upon the information from the US, Canada and Russia on exploration and development of gas hydrate in the Arctic region, we made an introduction to and comparison of four kinds of extraction technology, and gas hydrate pilot production efficiency in polar and non-polar regions. According to the current international oil and gas prices, the energy structure of the world, research targets of gas hydrate in various countries and the current situation of gas hydrate exploration and development in China, we suggest China actively participating in the research and development of polar gas hydrate.