The Energy Watch Group, a German NGO published a study entitled which concludes that Europe has no promising shale gas deposits and that the potential risks of hydraulic fracturing far outweigh the benefits that any shale gas resources could bring.

Germany in fact holds vast shale gas reserves, 2.3 trillion cubic metres according to the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. This is the equivalent of up to 23 years of domestic energy supply based on current demand. Shale gas could potentially play a major role in Germany’s energy mix.

So the benefits are potentially significant. Risk exists for every industrial process and should always be managed and mitigated. This is the role of government.

There are reports from within Germany, around Europe and internationally from a host of highly respected and independent institutions concluding that shale gas can be developed within an environmentally sustainable framework. This includes two reports published in 2014 by the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) and Germany’s National Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech).

Germany is facing some critical energy challenges and is subsequently having to import large amounts from abroad. Energy dependency is at its highest in 20 years and is currently 10% higher than the EU average. It is also becoming increasingly dependent on more carbon intensive fossil fuels such as hard coal and lignite which now account for 43.6% of the country’s energy mix.

Renewables can only provide part of the solution. Even at its best estimates the government is aiming to increase the renewable share to 60% by 2050, still relying on other sources for 40% of its energy. Moreover renewables will also not be able to power Germany’s energy intensive industries or heat the 18.6 million homes that rely on gas.

It would be wholly negligent if any government failed to examine and explore all potential sources of domestic energy production particularly given the specific challenges that Germany is facing.

About Shale Gas Europe

Shale Gas Europe is a platform managed by FTI Consulting for all actors involved in the exploration and development of shale gas, tight gas and coalbed methane. It aims to promote a dialogue and provide first-hand, up-to-date information to citizens, policy-makers and the media on all the key issues surrounding the development of shale gas in Europe. Shale Gas Europe is supported by Chevron, Cuadrilla Resources, ExxonMobil, Halliburton and Shell.