In a groundbreaking move, Turkmenistan has announced its intention to capture the methane gas fueling the infamous “Gateway to Hell” in the Karakum Desert. This fiery crater, which has been ablaze since a Soviet drilling accident in 1971, has become an unlikely tourist attraction while simultaneously contributing to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Darvaza Debacle: A Soviet Legacy The Darvaza crater’s origins can be traced back to a Soviet drilling operation gone awry. In 1971, a drilling rig accidentally punctured a natural gas pocket, causing the ground to collapse and creating a 20-meter-deep crater. To prevent the spread of … Continue reading Turkmenistan’s 50-Year “Gateway to Hell” Fire May Finally Be Extinguished – Find Out How Methane Capture Could Change the Game