International onlookers sometimes wonder when shale gas will get going in Germany. Americans in particular think, based on their own shale boom, that the Germans could reduce their carbon emissions and lower their energy prices with shale gas. Craig Morris says the situation looks much different within Germany. In Europe, shale gas is unpopular. France has already banned it outright. The German government says that shale gas production can proceed “as soon as environmental concerns are assuaged” – which could be a diplomatic way of saying “never.” In February 2013, then-Environmental Minister Peter Altmaier said: “I do not see fracking being used anywhere in Germany in the foreseeable future… To everyone who thinks I’m too careful about fracking: I don’t know any town or community that would accept it.” The current coalition agreement of November 2013 between the CDU and the SPD did not change that stance. German shale gas reserves are estimated to be large enough to cover 13 years of the country’s gas supply. Of course, the country would not shut down all … Continue reading What role will shale gas play in the Energiewende?