Fracking debate intensifies in Germany

As the effort to find alternatives to Russian gas increased across Europe in 2014, Germany was engaged in a heated debate within the country on the future direction of its energy policy.

Over the course of the Ukrainian crisis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasised the possibility of installing support methods for shale gas as an alternative to guarantee the country's energy security. Later on, Vice Chancellor and Economic Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel announced the prospect of drafting legal provisions to regulate the technology.

Such moves sparked criticism from several sectors of society which were against shale gas. As of 2014, this practice was not allowed in Germany.

Günther Oettinger, EU's energy commissioner and a member of Angela Merkel's CDU, was quoted as telling Germany to keep its options open on fracking.

Maria Krautzberger, the President of the Germany's Federal Environment Agency (UBA), presented the organisation's new Fracking-II assessment in Berlin on the 30 July 2014.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: [Energy security debate] Poland calls for EU action to end Russia’s energy stranglehold http://www.europeansources.info/record/energy-security-debate-poland-calls-for-eu-action-to-end-russias-energy-stranglehold/

ESO: Background Information: Germany eyes rules for controversial gas extraction http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-eyes-rules-for-controversial-gas-extraction/

The Guardian, 17.06.14: German beermakers look like winning their battle to stop fracking http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/17/germany-fracking-beermakers-battle-exxonmobil

The New York Times, 05.06.14: Germany Leans Toward Allowing Fracking http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/06/business/international/germany-may-turn-to-fracking.html

EurActiv, 07.07.14: Oettinger tells Germany to keep options open on fracking http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/oettinger-tells-germany-keep-options-open-fracking-303323

Deutsche Welle, 07.07.14: Germany debates proposed ban on fracking http://dw.de/p/1CWiy

Shale Gas Information Platform: Shale gas in Germany – the current status http://www.shale-gas-information-platform.org/areas/the-debate/shale-gas-in-germany-the-current-status.html

EurActiv, 31.07.14: Germany moves closer to fracking ban http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/germany-moves-closer-fracking-ban-303808

Deutsche Welle, 30.07.14: German experts warn against fracking http://dw.de/p/1CmVE

EurActiv, 19.11.14: German government upholds fracking ban http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/german-government-upholds-fracking-ban-310127

---