Fracking remains a taboo in Germany

25.03.2026

Source: E & M pwoernews

A strict ban on fracking remains in place in Germany. The Ministry of Economic Affairs also addressed LNG imports in its response to a small question to the German government.

The legal framework for natural gas extraction in Germany is clearly defined - and restrictive with regard to unconventional deposits. The basis, as stated in an answer to a minor question from the AfD parliamentary group to the Federal Government, is the Federal Mining Act, supplemented by central water law regulations.

Of particular relevance is the Water Resources Act, which stipulates a de facto ban on fracking in shale, clay and marl rock. Accordingly, the commercial extraction of natural gas using hydraulic fracturing in these rock formations is generally prohibited. Only up to four scientifically monitored test drillings are permitted. The approval of such projects is the responsibility of the respective federal states, which further increases the hurdles.

This restrictive stance contrasts with international developments, for example in the USA, where fracking plays a central role in gas extraction. Since gas supplies from Russia were halted in the wake of the war in Ukraine, Germany has also become dependent on LNG - including from America - some of which is extracted using fracking.

In this context, the inquiry also deals with a supply contract between the federally owned company "SEFE" and an Argentinian consortium. The gas comes from the "Vaca Muerta" region, one of the world's most important shale gas deposits, where fracking is used across the board. From 2027, up to 2 million tons of LNG are to be supplied to Germany every year. While fracking is banned in Germany, its use abroad will thus indirectly become part of Germany's energy supply. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, this will result in new regulatory requirements, particularly with regard to environmental and climate standards.

The EU Methane Regulation is a key instrument for regulating this import dependency. It gradually obliges importers to provide comprehensive evidence of emissions along the entire supply chain. The origin and quantities of imported fossil fuels have had to be reported since 2025. From 2027, the so-called equivalence obligation will apply: imported gas may only enter the EU if monitoring, reporting and verification standards comparable to those within the EU are met during extraction and processing. Further tightening is to follow: Detailed reports on methane intensity will be required from 2028, and binding maximum values for emissions are to apply from 2030. These measures are aimed at limiting the significant climate impact of methane.

Governance and control: limited influence

Despite the strategic importance of gas supply, the German government emphasizes that concrete procurement decisions are not made politically, but by companies. Even at Sefe, a company that is wholly owned by the federal government, operational activities are subject to market principles. At the same time, according to the answer to the question, there are control mechanisms via participation and reporting instruments, such as the Federal Financing Committee. In addition, regulatory requirements such as the Energy Industry Act, the Energy Security Act and specific crisis mechanisms apply to the gas market.

Author: Günter Drewnitzky