During the course of her address at a Wednesday, February 20, function in Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel cautiously talked about the possible introduction of the revolutionary oil and gas technique of ‘fracking,’ saying that the main concern to be borne in mind while implementing such a move would be public safety.

Against the backdrop that the ‘unconventional’ and controversial ‘fracking’ technology has unlocked enormous gas and oil resources, thereby changing the geopolitics of energy, Merkel said that the introduction of the technology in Germany could "very probably also open up new gas deposits” in the country.

The Chancellor’s remarks on the use of ‘fracking’ – including concerns about public safety due to widespread, serious worries for the environment as well as the health of people residing close to ‘fracking’ locations – have come at a time when German Environment Minister Peter Altmaier has recently announced that legislation on the subject will be introduced before the September 22-scheduled federal elections.

Noting that Germany will have to make a very careful assessment as regards to the use of ‘fracking’ in the country, Merkel said that she believes that most significant aspect to be considered is that the technology should not pose any danger to either the people or the environment.

Towards that end, Merkel promised that any major decision on the use of ‘fracking’ technology in Germany will be taken only after a "dialogue" involving companies, political leaders, and citizens of the country.