Tap energy from sea bed, says Panel

NEW DELHI: Methane-rich gas hydrates on ocean bed are a ready and abundant energy source to replace fossil fuel and the country needs to tap this source, the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Ministries of Science & Technology and Environment & Forests said in its report.

Methane trapped in marine sediments as a hydrate represents an immense carbon reservoir that it is considered a dominant factor in estimating unconventional energy resources. It was identified recently by ONGC worthy to be studied for possible exploration to meet the burgeoning demand of hydrocarbons and ensuring energy security for the country. The only catch: The role of methane as a ‘greenhouse’ gas has to be carefully assessed.

The Committee said that with ever increasing gap between demand and indigenous production of natural gas and the huge import bill incurred by India, it is necessary to look for alternative resources.

So what is the problem? Progress in research is lagging because permission to use foreign vessels (A remote operated vehicle is required to go to the sea bed and take measurements) was denied.

Preliminary analysis of seismic data along the east and west coast of India has brought out about 80,000 sqkm area having potential hydrate deposits in Andaman-Nicobar, Krishna-Godavari, Konkan and Kutch offshore.