BULGARIAN GAS HYDRATE PROGRAM: NEW PARADIGM AVOIDS CLIMATE AND ENERGY CRISES WITHOUT TECHNOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to create a new paradigm as a scientific base for national programs for gas hydrate R&D and projects for technology development and gas hydrate exploitation. The main tasks are the results to mitigate climate and energy crises and to avoid technology problems of renewable energetics and social problems from mass jobs changes in energy and related sectors. The methodology includes analyses and examples from unsuccessful national programs and production tests and a thermodynamic approach as a base method for gas hydrate processes study. Major findings show the need for a new scientific base (replacement of the simplified approach based on equilibrium P-T phase curves supported by laboratory experiments with the consistent application of a thermodynamic approach); new primary technology for hydrate production (replacement of CH4 in hydrates with CO2); a new first stage of exploitation (CCS); new final products (H2 and/or CH4 � CH4 is new because the new paradigm creates it as the only energy source with negative footprint to the atmosphere). The impact of a wide application of the new paradigm doesn�t require drastic technology and job stresses and effectively contributed to a better climate and cheaper energy. The new paradigm stimulates positive changes in geopolitics, poverty, education, innovations, environment, and quality of life.