Germany
Prohibition and minimisation of the risks of fracking technology
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.