Technological paradigm-based development strategy towards natural gas hydrate technology

Natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel, accounts for 24% of global energy demand. As the demand rises, there is a higher technology requirement towards efficient gas storage and transportation. Therefore, based on the technology paradigm theory, this study developed a data analysis system based on bibliometric analysis and visualization techniques to reveal the development path for natural gas transportation technologies. It has identified that competition and diffusion stages of gas transportation technologies are common natural gas transportation technologies and adsorbed natural gas respectively, while the gas hydrates technology is in the shift stage. The importance of laws and policies in driving the technological evolution in these three stages was also examined. Natural gas hydrate's superior energy storage capacity and moderate synthesis conditions make it a promising natural gas transportation technology. However, challenges, such as technological limitations, industrial realization, economic benefits, and environmental impacts hinder the paradigm shift. Therefore, an integrated natural gas transport system involving natural gas hydrate technology is proposed and associated policy recommendations are given in technological innovation, monitoring systems, and resource allocation to facilitate the development of natural gas hydrate transportation technology.