Flammable ice becomes promising energy source

China will begin commercial production of gas hydrate - an enormous, untapped energy source in permafrost and ocean sediments - around 2030 as it tries to diversify its energy mix by tapping into unconventional sources.

Li Jinfa, deputy director of China Geological Survey, said that with consistent efforts in gas hydrate research and related policies, China will keep pace with advanced countries in turning the untapped resource into an energy solution.

China has been the largest global energy consumer since 2010, prompting authorities to increase research and exploration of unconventional energy sources such as shale gas and gas hydrate.