The image to the left exhibits a new technology recently unveiled for improving the way we ship natural gas – by trapping it in a frozen capsule of ice. A mixture of methane and water (methane hydrate) is sprayed through a 5cm nozzle, creating a snowy substance that researchers dub ‘iced natural gas’.  If it is determined to be a successful, viable method of shipment, the frosty treatment could yield myriad benefits to both suppliers and purchasers of natural gas worldwide.

The U.S. Department of Energy has been developing the technologies responsible for the new process, and although still only demonstrated at small scales thus far, have held up hopes for the promising breakthrough.  Among the benefits of the freeze-and-ship method of transporting natural gas, the DOE hopes it will improve the stability of natural gas stores around the globe.

Furthermore, the gas-to-snow method could reduce environmental impact by easing the strain on traditional natural gas transportation methods, and greatly reduce hazards associated with handling and moving the volatile fuel. Because the iced gas material is not susceptible to ignition or explosion, it is far safer than the highly flammable liquefied natural gas (LNG).

If those reasons aren’t enough to support the ‘cool’ new tech, it might be worth mentioning that it would be much cheaper as well.  While it’s tough to measure the actual cost savings across the board because of the minimal scale upon which the new methods are currently being tested, it definitely reduces shipping costs and cuts the need for more expensive natural gas logistical infrastructures.