Cool response to shale in Germany

German soccer fans wave the German flag in the city center of Stuttgart, Germany, Wednesday, June 25, 2008, prior to a public screening of the Euro 2008 semifinal match between Germany and Turkey. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)

Not so fast: scepticism about shale gas in Germany

Thomas Kienzle

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By News Wires

 21 November 2011 18:26 GMT

Unconventional gas exploration in Germany must not clash with the need to safeguard drinking water and coal mine safety, the country's energy and water industry association BDEW said on Monday, according to a report.

BDEW said hydraulic fracturing in particular would have to be assessed for its impact on groundwater before being allowed, joining a chorus of criticism that could hamper nascent exploration activity in the populous North-Rhine Westphalia state and elsewhere.

"Should the technologies be further developed, our position to unconventional gas would need to be assessed in line with all stakeholder interests," BDEW said in a statement, according to Reuters.

The group represents 1800 firms including those responsible for 90% of Germany's gas sales and 80% of its drinking water.

The statement was delivered to a…

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