About SUGAR III
The SUGAR-Projekt (Submarine Gas hydrate Reservoirs: Exploration, Exploitation, and Transport) was granted in 2008. Two phases have already been completed (SUGAR I 2008-2011, SUGAR II 2011-2014). Phase III is focussing on characterizing the gas hydrate reservoir in the Black Sea, addressing relevant environmental challenges, and developing approproate production scenarios and monitoring strategies.
The goal of the project is to realize a field test which takes place in autumn 2018.
Submarine Gas Hydrate Resources - SUGAR III
In SUGAR III the gas hydrate key technologies which are essential for natural gas production from marine gas hydrates will be further developed. These will guarantee the most-potential application for the companies which participate in the SUGAR project.
Therefore, the work focusses on four workpackages:
1. Geophysical Exploration und Data Processing,
2. Exploration Drilling Technique,
3. Natural Gas Production from Gas Hydrates,
4. Technologies and Strategies for Environmental Monitoring.
Project Goals:
- Characterization of the gas hydrate deposits in the paleo Danube delta
- Development of geophysical multi-parameter inversion strategies for better imaging of gas hydrate structures
- Determination of geophycial parameters and geotechnical models for a better gas hydrate quantification
- Development of technology for borehole measurements and steering technology for purpose-built, autonomous drilling-technology (MeBo200)
- For the insitu gas hydrate characterization: Development of a transfer chamber which maintains the pressure
- Conception of a geotechnical test apparatus for gas hydrat sediments
- Risk Assessment: Characterization of the gas hydrate sediment structure and development of geotechnical modells for risk assessment
- Development of strategies for the minimization of sandproduction
- Quantification of the gas production for different exploitation stategies of the Danube delta delta and its deep-sea fan
- Environmental Monitoring: Development of a monitoring strategy and a program for measurements
The project's life span is from September 2014 until March 2018.