This paper presents the results of research and deliberation on key issues related to the industrialization of natural gas hydrate.

Objective Promoting the industrialization of natural gas hydrate (NGH) is of great significance for ensuring national energy security and facilitating a green and low−carbon transition. However, China still faces multiple challenges in this process. This paper aims to systematically identify the key issues hindering the industrialization of NGH in China and propose targeted development recommendations to support the formulation of industrial policies and enable technological breakthroughs.

Methods Based on a literature review and the Delphi method, interviews and opinion surveys were conducted with over 60 experts from research institutions to systematically analyze the current status and bottlenecks of China's NGH sector in terms of resources, technology, environment, policy, and market.

Results China possesses significant NGH resource potential, yet challenges remain, including uneven resource exploration, unclear recoverable reserves, and low resource abundance. Key technologies—such as reservoir stimulation, sand control, and drilling and completion—have yet to achieve breakthroughs. Environmental monitoring and risk prevention systems remain incomplete. Institutional barriers, such as overlapping mining rights, insufficient policy support, and limited market openness, are prominent. High extraction costs, low production rates, and competition from renewable energy and conventional natural gas also pose constraints.

Conclusions It is recommended that NGH be integrated into the national energy strategy system, with strengthened resource assessment and theoretical research, the establishment of an efficient technical equipment system for development, improved environmental monitoring and policy mechanisms, increased enterprise participation, and the promotion of commercial models to achieve sustainable industrialization.