Not everyone agrees with the air quality plan!

From the Press Release, Shell Global Web-Site Post, November 22, 2017

BP, Eni, ExxonMobil, Repsol, Shell, Statoil, Total and Wintershall today committed to further reduce methane emissions from the natural gas assets they operate around the world. The energy companies also agreed to encourage others across the natural gas value chain – from production to the final consumer – to do the same.

The commitment was made as part of wider efforts by the global energy industry to ensure that natural gas continues to play a critical role in helping meet future energy demand while addressing climate change. Since natural gas consists mainly of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, its role in the transition to a low-carbon future will be influenced by the extent to which methane emissions are reduced.

The eight energy companies today signed a Guiding Principles document, which focuses on: continually reducing methane emissions; advancing strong performance across gas value chains; improving accuracy of methane emissions data; advocating sound policies and regulations on methane emissions; and increasing transparency.

“Numerous studies have shown the importance of quickly reducing methane emissions if we’re to meet growing energy demand and multiple environmental goals,” said Mark Radka, Head of UN Environment’s Energy and Climate Branch. “The Guiding Principles provide an excellent framework for doing so across the entire natural gas value chain, particularly if they’re linked to reporting on the emissions reductions achieved.”

The Guiding Principles were developed in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Gas Union, the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Climate Investments, the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Sustainable Gas Institute, The Energy and Resources Institute, and United Nations Environment.

“Our analysis at IEA shows that credible action to minimise methane emissions is essential to the achievement of global climate goals, and to the outlook for natural gas,” said Tim Gould, Head of Supply Division, World Energy Outlook, IEA.

“The commitment by companies to the Guiding Principles is a very important step; we look forward to seeing the results of their implementation and wider application. The opportunity is considerable – implementing all of the cost-effective methane abatement measures worldwide would have the same effect on long-term climate change as closing all existing coal-fired power plants in China.”

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Shell’s Pennsylvania Ethane cracker project enters main construction phase

From an Article by Sara Welch, Shale Gas Reporter, November 16, 2017

Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC has officially entered its main construction phase in the Ohio River valley in Beaver County, PA.

The new complex will use low-cost ethane from Marcellus and Utica shale gas producers to manufacture 1.6 million tonnes per year of polyethylene, which is used in products such as food packaging, furniture and automotive components. The facility will have three polyethylene units and an ethane cracker.

The complex will also have a 900-foot long cooling tower, rail and truck loading facilities, a water treatment facility, an office building, a laboratory and a 250-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant.

During operations, Shell expects the project to support up to 6,000 construction jobs and about 600 permanent employee positions. This Beaver County project is a $6 billion investment by the company.

Hillary Mercer assumed the role of vice president for the local Shell project, replacing its former vice president since 2014, Ate Visser. Mercer’s previous experience includes 30 years working for Royal Dutch Shell in a variety of roles. As vice president for the ethane “cracker” project, she will oversee all aspects of the project, from the construction of the plant and safety issues to production and customer relations.