'Fire ice' discovery key to Japan's power future

Japan says it has successfully extracted methane hydrate, known as "fire ice", from its seabed, possibly unlocking many years worth of gas for the country.

In what they are claiming as a world first, a consortium is drilling for the hydrate, a fossil fuel that looks like ice but consists of very densely-packed methane surrounded by water molecules, one kilometre below sea level.

The solid white substance burns with a pale flame, leaving nothing but water.

One cubic metre of it is estimated to contain...

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A group of companies led by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation is working hard to find alternative energy sources. Methane hydrate is the new focus.