Deutsche Welle: Germany debates proposed ban on fracking
The government wants to largely ban 'fracking.' But the policy drafted by the economics and the environment ministries are not strict enough for the opposition. The draft law will be ready after the summer break.
Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks want to legally regulate fracking as soon as possible. Fracking splits rocks at a depth of 1000 - 5000 meters through hydraulic pressure. During the process, a liquid mixture of water, sand and chemicals is pressed into the ground. Cracks appear in the rocks, releasing gas which is then brought to the surface through casing pipes.
The US is using this method on a large scale to exploit shale gas. The country is experiencing a veritable gas boom, but it has to live with the risks of polluting the ground and drinking water as well as increasing earthquakes. Estimates about the potential untapped gas reserves under Germany's surface vary a lot. The Federal Environment Agency is estimating 1.3 trillion cubic meters, while the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources is estimating 2.3 trillion cubic meters. With this amount Germany's gas supplies would be covered for 13 to 27 years.