China, India Are Rich in 'Crystal Gas'

Frozen methane stash could feed growing energy appetites

By Zach Samalin, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 13, 2007 3:41 PM CST

(Newser) – The discovery of a massive store of frozen methane on the seabed off the coast of China may help the world's fastest growing nation keep up with its accelerating energy needs.
Methane hydrate, also known as crystal gas, is frozen and yet flammable, and it could mean a breakthrough for India, South Korea and Taiwan—all of which have booming economies—as well, Der Spiegel writes.

But scientists fear frozen methane will exacerbate global warming faster than other fossil fuels—a worry some Chinese and Indian scientists consider the West's attempt to impede their progress. Meanwhile, researchers are working to develop a method for using carbon dioxide to extract frozen methane that would yield energy and dispose of unwanted greenhouse gases.

A Chinese man pushes a cart across a traffic where vehicles wait to cross in Beijing, China, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. Developing countries led by China squabbled with the West over mandatory emission cuts... (Associated Press)

Workers replace the price tags on a display for gasoline at a gas station in Chengdu, southwestern China's Sichuan province on in this Nov. 1, 2007 file photo. While oil is fueling the rapid growth of... (Associated Press)

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Bush to Unveil Greenhouse Gas Goals

Ready with targets, no specifics, ahead of Paris talks

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*If governments are smart with policies

CO2 Emissions Soared From 2000 to 2004

Greenhouse gas increase tripled over '90s rate

Global Carbon Emissions in Biggest Jump Ever

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Sulfur pollution masked effect of CO2 emissions

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • greenhouse gases • India • global warming • methane • fossil fuel

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Bush to Unveil Greenhouse Gas Goals

Ready with targets, no specifics, ahead of Paris talks

Going Greener Won't Cut Much* Into Bottom Line: Study

*If governments are smart with policies

CO2 Emissions Soared From 2000 to 2004

Greenhouse gas increase tripled over '90s rate

Global Carbon Emissions in Biggest Jump Ever

Rising greenhouse gasses will worsen climate change, say scientists

Burning Coal Slowed Climate Change: Study

Sulfur pollution masked effect of CO2 emissions

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