Agency for Natural Resources and EnergyNatural Gas Flow Test from Methane Hydrate Layers Ended

Methane hydrate is a compound material that consists of methane and water, crystallized in a low-temperature, high pressure state. A considerable amount of methane hydrate is estimated to be distributed in the marine zones surrounding Japan, and it is expected to be a natural gas resource in the future.

In late January, 2013, preparatory works began for the flow test to dissociate methane hydrate and extract natural gas off the coasts from Atsumi Peninsula to Shima Peninsula in Japan. On March 12, 2013, the world's first attempt to produce such natural gas was started as a part of the technical preparation that is required towards commercialization of methane hydrate, and on the same day, production of gas from methane hydrate layers was confirmed on a drilling vessel.

The test was continued almost as planned. However, at around 14:00 on March 18, 2013, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) decided to end the flow test due to the following reasons: [i] it was confirmed that the production of the gas was not in the normal situation where a pump for pumping water was temporally malfunctioning and sand production was occurred in the production well in the early morning of the day; and [ii] a very rough weather was forecasted at the test site.

ANRE is to start operations including well abandonment and collection of data, and will complete the series of this operation by about the end of March. Upon completion of the operation, it is scheduled that data gathering including the amount of gas produced would be conducted and the results of the test would be investigated and analyzed.

Flaring gas at a burner installed at the stern of the ship
*Courtesy of the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation

March 18, 2013

Petroleum and Natural Gas Division, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy