Germany in planning to write up new fracking rules in the coming weeks relating to the techniques allowed to be used.
The guidelines will include a ban on drilling in areas where water is protected and environmental audits.
Last year Germany’s ruling parties promised in their coalition agreement to set a legal framework around fracking.
Fracking technology has been used in Germany for decades, but as the country waits for the new rules, there has been a two year effective prohibition on new permit approvals.
Sigmar Gabriel, the Economy and Energy Minister, outlined his plans to draft the guidelines in a letter to the head of the parliamentary budget committee on May 23.
“The goal is to finalise these drafts in the coming weeks,” Gabriel said in the letter.
