Shell launches new studies in gas to liquids

11-Apr-2001
Shell gas & Power (Shell) today announced two further studies into the investment opportunities for Gas to liquids (GTL) projects. The studies in Argentina and Australia will all use Shell’s proprietary GTL technology, the Shell Middle Distillate synthesis (SMDS) process. This follows previous announcements of similar studies into potential projects in Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, and Trinidad and Tobago and is in line with the company’s strategy to commit to around four projects within this decade. Shell will continue to develop other potential opportunities in GTL to strengthen its portfolio of prospects. SMDS converts gas into ultra clean liquid products. Recent advances in Shell’s proprietary GTL technology have created potentially attractive opportunities for the commercialisation of large gas reserves in an environmentally sustainable manner. The next generation facility will have a capacity of 75,000 b/d, requiring a gas intake of around 600 mmscf/d – roughly equivalent to the gas intake of a large Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) train. In Argentina, Shell has undertaken a scouting study for a plant in Tierra del Fuego. Shell is in discussion with a local consortium regarding the possible supply of offshore gas to the plant. In Australia, Shell is exploring opportunities for a SMDS investment in this country with its abundant gas reserves. This would complement the substantial LNG industry and would as such provide a strategically important diversification. Locations in both Western Australia and the Northern Territory are under consideration. In addition Shell is also investigating new opportunities in Malaysia. Linda Cook, CEO Gas and Power said: “SMDS investments provide substantial economic, social and environmental benefits for host countries. Shell already has extensive operational and marketing experience through our existing SMDS plant in Bintulu, Malaysia, and we intend to strengthen our leading position by actively pursuing a portfolio of investment opportunities for our second-generation large-scale facilities. Shell’s GTL technology offers an attractive, complementary alternative to our LNG capability for the commercialisation of major gas reserves.”

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Topic world Synthesis

Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.

15+ products
4 whitepaper
15+ brochures