Hillman, J.I.T.; Crutchley, G.J.; Pecher, I.A.; Beggs; M. Bowden, D.; Davy, B.W.; Kroeger, K.F.; Law, C.; Leduc, D. Oluwunmi, P.A.; Morgans, H.E.G.; Strogen, D.P. et al 2024 Economic opportunities and environmental implications of energy extraction from gas hydrates, Aotearoa New Zealand. Lower Hutt, NZ: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2023/53. 157 p.; doi: 10.21420/WXHR-ZR31
Abstract
Gas hydrates, ice-like substances that consist of natural gas and water, are found beneath extensive areas of the seafloor worldwide along continental shelves. Aotearoa New Zealand’s gas hydrate provinces host a broad array of hydrate occurrences, particularly along the Hikurangi Margin, offshore eastern Te Ika-a-Māui North Island. In recent years, conventional oil and gas exploration has progressed into deeper offshore waters, necessitating drilling through gas hydrates for future production. Gas hydrates are also being directly investigated as potential energy resources elsewhere around the world. Given that gas hydrate systems influencethe stability, chemistry and biology of seafloor environments, these recent developments emphasise the need to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with extracting natural gas from or beneath gas hydrates. The five-year (2017–2022) HYDrates, Economic opportunities, and Environmental implications (HYDEE) research programme was funded to address this knowledge gap with three research aims. These focused on characterising the complexity of geological processes controlling gas hydrate formation and distribution, as well as the challenges associated with economic production. An additional research aim sought to understand the socio-economic implications of potential gas hydrate production in Aotearoa New Zealand. During this research, we considered the opportunities and concerns of both Māori communities and the wider public within the context of future energy markets and the transition to a low-carbon energy landscape. Recognising the cultural values of Māori communities and involving them in resource management discussions were highlighted as key factors for sustainable development and growth of Māori economies. The multi-disciplinary HYDEE programme comprised eight Aotearoa New Zealand organisations and nine international partners (Figure 1.4). From 2017–2023, six research voyages were completed (Table 1.2). Four of these were supported through the HYDEE programme, one of which was co-funded by the United States of America (USA) National Science Foundation and one jointly supported by HYDEE and the European EUROFLEETS+ programme, with two further voyages carried out in collaboration with researchers from the USA-led SAFFRONZ programme. Furthermore, the programme benefitted from the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) scientific drilling Expedition 372 in the northern Hikurangi Margin (auths)
