China Targets Development of Flammable Ice in 10-15 Years

China may require another 10 years to investigate and research how to exploit its deposits of gas hydrate, or flammable ice, according to Zhang Hongtao, chief engineer of the Ministry of Land and Resources and deputy director of the China geological Survey under the ministry.

Zhang said the first priority is to further develop technological research to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly exploitation of flammable ice.

It is predicted that China will be able to commercially extract on land flammable ice within 10 to 15 years, and that underwater within 20 years.

Compared to some other developed countries, China's research on flammable ice is lagging behind, according to Zhang. He called on the government to support the research.

China has only a preliminary estimation on the size of its flammable ice reserves, and will prove them over the coming 10 years.

Zhang Haiqi, chief scientist of the China Geological Survey, announced that China has sent seven ships to conduct underwater flammable ice research on 26 voyages.

On September 25, China announced that flammable ice had been discovered in the permanent tundra of China's northwestern Qilian Mountains, which has raised great interest, both at home and abroad.

One cubic meter of flammable ice can release 164 cubic meters of methane, according to Zhang Hongtao. Countries all over the world are accelerating their preparations for commercial exploitation of flammable ice given its huge energy potential.