“Researchers have found high concentration of methane at many spots in an area covering 20,000 sq km of waters off Taiwan’s south-west coast," said National Tai-wan University marine geology and geophysics professor Liu Char-shine.

“The seismic profile in the area, from 50 metres offshore of Kaohsiung to the Pratas, shows the existence of a bottom simulation reflector (BSR) that marks the bottom boundary of the hydrate’s zone. BSR is a strong indicator of the presence of gas hydrate, which has been regarded as one of new energy resources in the 21st century.

“Research projects with scientists in other countries should be promoted in these areas to gain useful reference for Taiwan’s future energy policy.”