Gas hydrates are promising components for a wide range of industries and the national economy. This paper outlines the gas hydrate application areas with the greatest potential. Gas hydrates of methane, ethane, propane, carbon dioxide and freon were investigated. Double gas hydrates were found to be coming into use. Natural and artificial hydrates are now being exploited. The main properties and component composition of hydrates, as well as their extraction methods are described. The key aspects of using hydrates in the energy industry, gas chemistry and petrochemistry, heat exchange systems and fire safety management are highlighted. These specific aspects were identified by analyzing the known experimental findings, results of mathematical modeling, bench and field tests, as well as trial runs of industrial systems. The recent advances in science and technology in this field were analyzed. The range of tasks that need to be tackled to improve the efficiency of using gas hydrates are defined.