Published: June 10, 2016 |

[Click image to enlarge]

Shell Chemical Appalachia has made a final investment decision to build a new petrochemical complex in Pennsylvania, US.

Planned to be built on the banks of the Ohio River in Potter Township, Beaver County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the petrochemical complex will feature an ethylene cracker with polyethylene derivatives unit.

Shell plans to commence the main construction of the project in approximately 18 months. The complex is planned to commence production in early in the next decade.

The complex is designed to produce 1.6 million tons of polyethylene per year by processing low-cost ethane sourced from shale gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins.

Royal Dutch Shell global chemicals business executive vice-president Graham van’t Hoff said: “Shell Chemicals has recently announced final investment decisions to expand alpha olefins production at our Geismar site in Louisiana and, with our partner CNOOC in China, to add a world-scale ethylene cracker with derivative units to our existing complex there.

“This third announcement demonstrates the growth of Shell in chemicals and strengthens our competitive advantage.”

The project is expected to create up to 6,000 jobs during construction phase and 600 permanent jobs upon completion.

The investment comes on the same day the firm announced its plan to reduce spending following its acquisition of BG Group.

Shell expects to have better returns and increase free cash flow per share by the capping its capital spending till 2020, which involves investing in compelling projects, reducing costs and selling non-core assets.

Source: (June 8, 2016) Energy Business Review

To stop by Shell’s website, CLICK HERE

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!