Germany considers fracking ban

The German Government is planning to unveil new fracking rules that may ban drilling of shale gas.

Germany Economy and Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel is working on new guidelines for fracking that may feature environmental audits and a ban on drilling in areas where water is protected.

Germany Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks told the Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper that the guidelines are likely to stop well short of giving a green light to shale gas.

"I think fracking is not only a wrong but also an overrated solution to the energy question," she said.

"According to what was agreed in the coalition deal, unconventional fracking using toxic substances, in particular for shale gas, will be banned."

The ruling parties in Germany promised in their coalition agreement in 2013 to specify a legal framework for fracking. Many Germans oppose the practice because of environmental concerns and fear that drinking water may be contaminated.

The state of Lower Saxony, which holds 95% of Germany’s gas reserves, has previously tried to accelerate an end to the ban on fracking for tight gas with a legal initiative in the Bundesrat upper house.