INPEX invests in methane hydrate development offshore Japan

Japan’s oil and gas company INPEX has invested in Japan Methane Hydrate Operating Co., Ltd., a joint venture company established on October 1, 2014 aiming to participate in the offshore production test of methane hydrate conducted by the Japanese government.

“INPEX is committed to utilizing the technology, knowledge and experience it has accumulated through its oil and natural gas upstream business operations to contribute to research on Japan’s methane hydrate resources.”

A substantial quantity of methane hydrate is estimated in the offshore areas around Japan. Serving as a new domestic energy source, with the potential to make a major contribution to a stable national energy supply for Japan, technological development is expected for its commercialization including establishment of production technologies.

_{Source: offshoreenergytoday.com}