Methane hydrate (Agency for Natural Resources and Energy)
December 25, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy has announced the result of mining investigation of "methane hydrate". According to it, the sample of methane hydrate has been collected in the Sea of Japan. Methane hydrate is crystal of methane gas and water. It has been expected as fuel domestically.
Methane hydrate was found off the coast of Niigata, Akita, Yamagata. A result of the investigation, the presence of a "surface type methane hydrate" has been suggested in the 746 point.
Japan has imported a large part of the energy. Energy self-sufficiency rate is 4-5%. Methane hydrate has been referred to as the "burning ice". It abundant in coastal waters of Japan. If mining cost is fallen below, Japan might be able to use it.