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A GLOBAL OUTLOOK ON METHANE GAS HYDRATES
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sideration in global energy system projections, such as those
conducted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and, in
particular, those with medium-term time frames (IEA 2011a).
This chapter explores the range of environmental and eco-
nomic issues likely to be raised with growing awareness of
the potential of gas hydrates as a significant new source of
natural gas. We reference, in particular, the general find-
ings of the IEA’s 2011 World Energy Outlook Special Report
Are We Entering a Golden Age of Gas? (IEA 2011b), which
amends prior IEA energy outlooks in light of the recent ex-
pansion in unconventional gas production. Another impor-
tant source is the 2012 Global Energy Assessment report
(GEA 2012), which sheds light on the question of how future
energy systems can address multiple challenges and sustain-
ability goals (Riahi
et al.
2012). While the latter assessment
assumes that gas hydrates are unlikely to have any significant
impact over the 2015-2035 time frame, it outlines the major
issues and opportunities raised by an expansion in natural
gas availability. Finally, we discuss a number of points for
policy-makers to consider in relation to gas hydrates and how
they might help ease the transition to the sustainable energy
systems of the future.
This chapter introduces global energy resources, the evolu-
tion of the energy system, and the potential implications
of gas hydrate development. Section 1.2 provides the latest
assessments of energy resources. Section 1.3 outlines the
historic evolution of the global energy system. Section 1.4
presents global energy system projections with a focus on
natural gas. Finally, Section 1.5 discusses the implications of
developing gas hydrates.