Fracking in Germany and Europe – Hype or Opportunity?

What are the opportunities and risks presented by shale gas extraction in Europe, and particularly in Germany? According to Felix Müsgens, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, and Andreas Seeliger, Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Mosbach, the sceptical attitude to domestic shale gas extraction should be re-examined and a revival of the German gas extraction industry deserves consideration. Kirsten Westphal, Stiftung Politik und Wissenschaft, Berlin, analyses the consequences of the US shale gas boom. The shale gas boom may not only make the USA independent in terms of energy supply; but is also promoting the geopolitical development of the United States towards Asia. Stefan Ladage, Harald Andruleit and Michael Kosinowski, Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), Hannover, look at shale gas reserves in Germany, and highlight that the extent and scale on which shale gas can be extracted is not yet foreseeable.