Black sea gas hydrates: resource estimation update

The Black Sea exhibits significant potential for the development of substantial gas hydrate reserves, primarily due to its low salinity, extensive sedimentary complexity, and the presence of vast deep-sea buried paleodeltas. Recent geophysical and geochemical studies carried out as part of European and national projects have yielded valuable data and outcomes, serving as the basis for a reassessment of gas hydrates in the Black Sea. This research aims to provide an updated estimation of the Black Sea gas hydrate resources and assess the potential for methane, hydrogen, and sequestered carbon dioxide as hydrate within each exclusive economic zone. Our methodology involves incorporating updated input data from recent publications and analyzing the results of detailed investigations to establish more precise parameters. The key findings reveal how detailed explorations have changed the area of gas hydrate deposits (BSR areas), the portion of sediments containing gas hydrates within the gas hydrate stability zone, and the gas hydrate saturation of the pore volume. The updated resource estimation is presented through maps and tables. These new findings contribute to a better understanding of the Black Sea basin's potential for carbon capture and robust storage in gas hydrate deposits, as well as the prospects for gas hydrate development in each country surrounding the Black Sea.