German Gas Industry Backs FDP's Fracking Proposal Despite Climate Concerns
The German natural gas industry has backed the FDP's proposal to allow fracking for gas extraction, despite recent studies indicating its significant climate impact. Meanwhile, ExxonMobil, the largest US fracking operator, has been promoting the practice in Germany.
The FDP wants to harness domestic shale gas to reduce Germany's emissions, with ExxonMobil claiming it could cover up to 35 percent of the country's annual natural gas demand. However, fracking carries environmental risks such as toxic groundwater, drinking water contamination, and large amounts of toxic wastewater. It can also trigger earthquakes due to the unnatural pressure created.
In 2016, the federal government imposed a five-year moratorium on shale gas extraction due to public protests. Since then, Germany has maintained a restrictive stance on fracking for natural gas, largely prohibiting its commercial exploitation. Recent discussions have focused more on alternative uses of fracking technology, notably for geothermal energy, rather than expanding shale gas extraction.
New studies from the USA show that methane leaks from fracking wells are a significant problem, making the process at least 25 times more climate-damaging than CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Although the combustion of natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gases than coal, its extraction, especially through fracking, is not climate-friendly.
The German natural gas industry's support for the FDP's fracking proposal raises concerns about the environmental and climate impacts. While the potential reduction in emissions from using domestic shale gas is appealing, the risks and negative consequences of fracking must be carefully considered.
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