- Germany may snu on skifergass – E24

According to the Financial Times should the German government before summer treat a case where it aims to repeal the law that currently prohibits the extraction of shale gas.

production of shale gas is highly controversial, not only because it contributes to increased production of fossil fuels, but also because the production method is considered as highly polluting.

Self-contained

The gas is extracted through what is called hydraulic fracturing, in which fluid is pumped into the shale underground. It gets the rock to break up and release the gas. The liquid is left, and critics claim it to pollute groundwater. In addition to polluting the groundwater claim critics that the method is wasteful of water, it releases harmful methane gas and that it can create small local earthquakes.

extraction of shale gas has revolutionized the energy sector in recent years. In the U.S., shale gas made the country self-sufficient in gas and extraction of shale oil can in turn make the country self-sufficient in oil as well.

It is estimated that under German soil may be located 2.3 trillion cubic feet of gas. This corresponds to about 10 years of full production on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Until recently, German Law – firmly rooted in public opinion – prevented recovered by the German gas reserves.

Beer resistance

But the geopolitical changes, with a more “aggressive” Russia has made European leaders more concerned with new energy supplies. By producing their own gas Germany can reduce its dependence on Russia.

The possible legislative changes for shale gas in Germany should have been known by a note, the German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel sent to parliament’s budget committee.

The paper writes Gabriel that an amendment that allows for “fracking” will include strict environmental requirements. Basically looking Gabriel for that local authority water experts should have veto power, and Gabriel writes that it may be appropriate to further “insurance”.

Among those who have expressed clear opposition to shale gas production, the German Breweries, who fear that the process will contaminate the water they use for beer.