First offshore methane hydrate production test in the world: from site selection to implementation

Japan’s interest in methane hydrate can be traced back to the 1980s, as one of the earliest countries developing national gas hydrate research and development program, and successfully completed the first offshore production test in the world. Based on summary and analysis of the production test process from site selection to implementation, it is further definite that from resource survey to field test and then to commercial exploitation is a long term process, facing challenges from many aspects, such as economy, environment and technology. Therefore, for hydrate research and development efforts in China, some suggestions are provided in terms of strengthening government supports, paying attention to basic scientific research and technological development, accelerating onshore and offshore production tests, mobilizing the enthusiasm of enterprises, focusing environmental and geohazard risks, strengthening multi-party collaboration, promoting international communication and corporation, etc.