Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, imports of Russian natural gas came to an end fairly quickly. Germany now sources pipeline gas from Norway and large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the USA and other countries. This means that dependence has not disappeared, but has merely shifted. As natural gas will still be needed for decades to come, the question arises as to whether domestic reserves can make a contribution. Our answer is: in principle, yes. Nevertheless, domestic fracking is not a short-term alternative to imports, nor is it a strategy for self-sufficiency. Germany should not rule out this option politically, but should examine it in a controlled manner and with an open mind. The key factors are: security of supply, economic viability and minimal environmental and climate impacts.
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