Hydraulic Fracturing – A technology under debate

Background und aims

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a process in which water and proppants are injected into wells in solid, low permeable underground rock to create fractures (fracs) and flowpaths for the release and transport of fluids. Although the use of this technology in the production of conventional natural gas and deep geothermal energy has gone largely unremarked for several decades, fracking for shale gas from shale formations has received a lot of public attention in recent years. One side of the debate highlights the potential dangers to the environment, the biosphere and the safety of nearby communities, while the other side focuses on the technology’s potential to contribute to security of supply, lower costs and sustainability in the context of the energy transition.

The aim of the project is to produce a comprehensive overview of the technology’s potential and limitations in order to provide additional input for the public debate. As well as explaining the scientific and technical aspects, the publication will take a detailed look at the environmental, economic, regulatory and socio-political dimensions of fracking technology. Particular emphasis will be placed on distinguishing between fracking for deep geothermal energy and fracking for shale gas.