German BDEW Says Shale Must Not Impact Environment

Shale gas exploration must not affect Germany's water supply or impact upon the safety of coal mines, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft - BDEW) has told a parliamentary committee. 

The committee was hearing expert opinion on shale gas exploration and hydraulic fracture stimulation yesterday.

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

The committee comprised representatives of Germany's Green Parties and Social Democrats. No decision has yet been reached on the safety of unconventional gas exploration by the committee.