La coalition government in Germany The US agreed to ban fracking for shale gas indefinitely a month ago, after years of controversy and failed negotiations. Despite this, environmental groups have pointed out that this ban is not fully effective and are calling for a complete ban. This is a widely debated measure, especially considering the risks that fracking represents for the environment, particularly for drinking water.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a controversial technique used to extract natural gas trapped in deep rock formations. The process involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into rocks at high pressure to release the gas. However, the associated risks, such as groundwater contamination and high water demand, have generated strong opposition.
While the coalition in Germany has agreed to impose a ban, it includes exceptions for drilling tests under the authorization of state governments. german industry The US has expressed interest in keeping fracking open in the future, arguing that it could reduce energy costs. But it faces fierce opposition from environmental groups, who warn of the dangers to the country's water resources.
The legislative situation in Germany and its comparison with other countries
If the law is passed in Parliament, Germany will follow France's example, which has also banned fracking entirely. In contrast, countries such as the United Kingdom allow the practice, but under strict environmental regulations. In Germany, fracking has been under scrutiny for several years, and the government has tried numerous times to pass legislation on the matter.
Already in 2015, Germany attempted to enact similar legislation against fracking. However, due to disagreements between political parties, the law was not passed at the time. Now, the new proposal has been criticised by organisations such as Earth Germany (BUND), which accuse the government of not going far enough in the ban, as the ban is due to be reviewed in 2021, which could mean the resumption of fracking in five years.
According to BUND President Hubert Weiger, the law should be replaced by a permanent, total ban. Environmentalists fear that if the ban is left open for review, the activity could resume at a later date, putting Germany's natural resources at risk.
Fracking: What is it and what are its implications?
Fracking is a gas and oil extraction technique used in unconventional geological formations such as shale. It involves drilling underground at depths of up to five kilometres and then injecting a mixture of water, sand and chemicals at high pressure to fracture the rock and release the gas trapped within.
One of the main problems with fracking is the amount of water used and the risks it poses to underground aquifers. In many cases, the chemicals used in the process can contaminate drinking water supplies. In addition, fracking requires extensive industrial infrastructure that can have significant impacts on the local landscape and ecosystems.
In Germany, there has been considerable resistance to the technique from environmental groups, who warn of the long-term risks. These risks include not only groundwater contamination, but also the possibility that fracking could cause small earthquakes due to the injection of liquids into the subsoil.
Gas resources in Germany: Is fracking worth it?
Germany has significant reserves of shale gas, which could be extracted by fracking. According to the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), the technically recoverable resources in the country amount to between 800 and 940 billion cubic meters of gas. However, natural gas consumption in the country is high, which means that these resources could only cover a few 10 years of current consumption.
This poses a dilemma: On the one hand, fracking could reduce Germany's dependence on imported gas, especially from Russia. On the other hand, environmental risks and concerns about climate change make its implementation difficult. In addition, the Climate impact of natural gas extracted by fracking is significant. Methane, emitted during the extraction process, is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2.
In an effort to address these concerns, the German government has permitted the drilling of up to four wells for research purposes. These projects will be conducted under scientific supervision to more accurately assess the risks and benefits of fracking in Germany. However, public opposition remains strong.
Possible energy alternatives
As the world faces the energy transition, many voices suggest that instead of investing in technologies such as fracking, one should explore more sustainable alternatives that are in line with global climate objectives. The green hydrogen is one such alternative, particularly suited to meeting Germany's energy and environmental commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis with renewable energy, is presented as a clean and efficient solution to displace the use of fossil fuels. In addition, the geothermal energy It has also been mentioned as an option, as it uses similar principles to fracking, but without the same risks of contamination.
However, the development of these technologies on a large scale still faces technical and economic challenges, which opens the door to a broader debate on how Germany will be able to meet its energy needs in the future, especially in times of geopolitical crises affecting gas supplies.
For now, Germany's ban on fracking remains in place, but divisions within the government and pressure from the energy industry could shape the future of the controversial technique in the country.
The growing demand for clean energy and the need to reduce dependence on Russian gas will likely accelerate the development of alternatives such as green hydrogen and renewable energy in general. However, in a context where Germany seeks to avoid energy shortages, the question of fracking remains a topic of intense debate which somehow still needs to be resolved.