Germany

Prohibition and minimisation of the risks of fracking technology

Legislative

Law

Passed in 2016

This law bans commercial hydraulic fracturing for the production of shale gas as well as shale oil (unconventional hydraulic fracturing). Limited test drillings (four authorised) wil be carried out to provide for experts to prepare yearly reports to the German Bundestag. In 2021, the Parliament will reassess whether the ban of unconventional hydraulic fracturing should continue.
Conventional hydraulic fracturing in sandstone for the production of tight gas, a traditional technique used in natural gas fields, is however allowed to continue, but under more stringent conditions for permit application:

An environmental impact assessment is required.
Only non-hazardous or low hazardous fracturing fluids are allowed.
In the case of damages due to seismic events, a reversal of evidence is provided: in case of doubt, the companies will have to prove that damage is not caused by hydraulic fracturing activities.

Documents

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