As scorching heat across much of the nation last summer put tremendous strains on energy supplies, Mississippi State scientists were studying how a substance similar to common ice can help ease the situation.

Using gas hydrates-essentially ice-to store natural gas near high-demand areas offers a promising solution, said chemical engineering professor Rudy E. Rogers.

"Gas hydrates can be used to store a lot of natural gas in a small space," he said. "For example, more than 180 standard cubic feet of gas can be stored in one cubic foot of hydrate."

In 1990, Rogers was among the first American scientists to research the industrial use of hydrates. Since 1997, his work has received support from the U.S. Department of Energy. At present, he is examining the feasibility of storing natural gas in hydrates near power plants that use the gas to generate electricity.

"When there's a big peak electrical demand, power plants can't pull enough gas out of pipelines fast enough to meet their needs," Rogers said.