Japan says it has begun preparations for a second production test to extract methane gas from methane hydrate deposits off the central coast of Japan.
Japan’s first test was carried out in 2013, and succeeded in extracting gas from the hydrates for the first time, but many obstacles remain to be solved.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is aiming to launch private sector commercial production of methane hydrates in 2023 to 2027.
Yuki Sadamitsu, Director of the Oil and Gas Division at the trade ministry's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, said Japan had set aside 20 billion yen ($180 million) for offshore production experiments.
METI said the production tests will be carried out using two wells, and will continue for several weeks. The first production well in 2013 ended abruptly in less than a week due to problems with sand flowing into the well.
Japan is particularly keen to develop domestic hydrocarbon production as it relies on imports for almost all its current needs. Technology did the trick for American shale and the Japanese hope it can do the same for hydrates.