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In summary- the Japanese have developed the ability to extract a new (well actually it is old, but new type of gas to us) from deep within the ocean seabed.  This not unlike the recent developments with Shale Gas in the United States.  The process is far from perfect yet (and still in its infancy), but given the recent developments, it is likely that the Japanese will invest more into this project in order to fully realize the potential of this energy source.   a couple of points-  This new gas (methane hydrate) would still be considered a fossil fuel, but would burn cleaner than many of Japan's current energy suppliers (coal). Japan's largest supply of energy (nuclear) is under heavy scrutiny lately after the Fukishima disaster- which could be argued as the largest, most far reaching enviornmental disaster in History.  They are trying to move away from relience on nuclear energy which has resulted in a heavy increase on imported fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)- which has had the consequence of driving up energy prices for its citizens and hurting the economy. If this energy source were to work out/pay out- this would bring much needed relief to Japan's "energy crisis" and relience on imported fossil fuels. This extraction of this new type of energy, like Shale Oil and Gas, is likely very very risky and could have calamatious effects on the surrounding enviornment, if in the event a spill/leak where to happen (this gas is deep deep within the ocean seabed.. A leak would be very very hard to stop). Recent developments could mean movement away from Japan's current trend of investing in (and development of) green energies such as wind, solar, and geothermal. The exact properties of undersea hydrates and how they might affect the environment are still poorly understood, given that methane is a greenhouse gas.   So my questions are: Should Japan pursue this course of action (developing this new type of energy)? What happens if

"Abundant fossil fuels leave clean energy out in the cold"

Aims of this lesson: To examine the changing importance of other energy sources. Redeveloped March 2012

Nine of the world's top energy scientists answer questions on topics from peak oil to nuclear fusion

Germany renewable energy mix slide show

The new kid on the energy block, shale gas, may be worse in climate change terms than coal, a study concludes. Drawn from rock through a controversial "fracking" process, some hail the gas as a "stepping stone" to a low-carbon future and a route to energy security.

Japan said Tuesday that it had extracted gas from offshore deposits of methane hydrate - sometimes called "flammable ice" - a breakthrough that officials and experts said could be a step toward tapping a promising but still little-understood energy source.

questions I'd like to ask: 1. How many Germans were actually inside using power during these 'midday' hours?  Especially as Germans are renowned for their outdoor lifestyle/culture 2. Would this still be the case if it was a sunny winter's day? 3. If it's equivalent to 20 nuclear power stations, how come only half the country could run on it?...is it because is was only for a short period of time? 4. How can other countries engender this attitude towards the use of alternative energies?

The crazy cost of sustainable alternatives. 350,000 pounds for 18 houses of electricity?