In view of the high energy prices, experts argue in favor of extracting natural gas in Germany using fracking technology. “As long as we need natural gas in Germany, it’s a joke – to say the least – that we don’t produce it here,” said Hans-Joachim Kümpel, ex-president of the Federal Institute of Geosciences and Natural Resources, the ” World am Sonntag”.
According to this data, there is up to 2.3 trillion cubic meters of natural gas under Germany in the shale rock — enough to supply the country with natural gas for decades, Kümpel said. In Germany, the production of 20 billion cubic meters per year through fracking is possible for decades to come. This corresponds to about half of the current natural gas deliveries from Russia. This can “significantly reduce” dependence on imports.
Fracking uses pressure and chemicals to extract gas or oil from rock layers, posing environmental hazards. Liquefaction by strong refrigeration has also been criticized, as it takes up to 25 percent of the gas’s energy content, according to environmentalists.
Consequences can be devastating
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is seeking rapid energy independence from Russia in view of the war in Ukraine. However, he rejects fracking in Germany, pointing out potential negative environmental impacts and legal hurdles.
Most recently, CSU boss Markus Söder and NRW economics minister Andreas Pinkwart (FDP), as well as the head of the German Economic Institute (IW), Michael Hüther, called for an open investigation into fracking.
Financing can start soon
Expert Mohammed Amro of Bergakademie Freiberg told the “Welt am Sonntag” that if the fracking ban were lifted, shale gas production in Germany could begin within a year.
In five years’ time, the production rate could be so high that Germany could cover a fifth of its natural gas needs with domestic fracking gas. “Not fracking in Germany is a serious mistake,” said Werner Ressing, former head of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
