Shell

Taking a long-term view - developing fuels for the future

Introduction

Businesses need to respond to change. A recent change is growing concern for the environment. Part of this is a worry about climate change. One cause could be the use and effects of oil as fuel. Businesses need to research into new fuels and better use of current fuels. There have been a number of high profile meetings to look at the problem.

James Smith, Shell UK Chairman hosted one of them. It is called the International Climate Change Taskforce. It brings together leaders in science, politics and business to address the issue of climate change. Today's view is that technologies should be more sustainable.

The long-term view

Shell is a global group of energy and oil companies. In response to climate change concerns Shell is looking to produce 'future fuels'. These will have a smaller impact on the environment. Shell takes a long-term view of how best to use present resources. It plans to make profits and grow. It also plans for more sustainable use of resources in a responsible way.

Research and Development (R&D)

R&D helps to make better products or processes. Shells R&D looks at:

• Making the best use of resources.

• Taking the best care of the environment.

Sustainable development

This means meeting the needs of today without reducing what is left for the needs of the future. Shell supports this by:

1. Meeting the global energy challenge by helping:

• To provide the energy for world economic progress.

• The two billion people who do not have energy to access it.

• To make cleaner and better fuels.

2. Working to reduce its impact on the environment.

3. Making sure it acts well towards people and communities.

All these actions bring gains to Shell by cutting risks and costs. They help Shell to meet customer needs.

Future fuels

Shell has invested over £1billion in more efficient fuels by making:

• Existing fuel more eco friendly.

• New fuels that don't involve burning oil products.

Shell has produced cleaner fuels. It also has new fuels such as hydrogen and GtL. GtL stands for 'Gas to Liquids'. It is sulphur free fuel made from natural gas. Shell has other future fuel products being used or trialled around the world. There is even one that uses waste wood and straw.

Conclusion

The petrol engine has driven growth for 100 years. Today there is a need for a change. Shell is making current products cleaner. It is working to produce new fuels.