U.S. scientists are investigating the use of calthrate hydrate, also known as methane hydrate, as a potential source of clean energy. Molecules of methane are found in "cages" of water molecules that materialize under extreme pressure to form "burning ice." But researchers may encounter problems when extracting the substance because clathrate hydrate releases carbon dioxide, thus contributing to climate change.
There may be a new method, though, to solve this problem by exchanging methane in the crystals with carbon dioxide to create a ground-breaking carbon neutral fossil fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy is pairing up with oil company ConocoPhillips to look into the potential of methane hydrate in Alaska, where 84.5 trillion cubic feet of the substance is buried. Other countries, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Norway, have expressed interest in this search, as well.
-compiled by Fiza Hashmi
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