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At a glance
Shell’s presence in the U.S. dates back nearly 100 years, first as a Pacific Coast gasoline marketer and Midwest oil producer. In that time, Shell has been a key player in innovation and is pushing the limits of what is technically feasible to locate and extract energy resources from increasingly difficult locations.
Today, Shell is a leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology and one of America’s leading oil and natural gas producers, gasoline and natural gas marketers and petrochemical manufacturers. We operate in 50 states and employ more than 22,000 people delivering energy in technically innovative ways.
Our commitment to Sustainable Development
The energy challenge facing the world is formidable: deliver more energy; keep supplies secure; and reduce energy’s environmental and social impacts. Shell believes that operating responsibly in line with society’s expectations is key to meeting this energy challenge and our long-term success.
Turning oil into cleaner, lower-CO2 products is another important part of building a responsible energy future and of our strategy.
As one of the largest providers of transport fuels, we are committed to: helping drivers use less energy and reduce emissions with advanced fuels and lubricants; leading the search for better biofuels; and promoting government policies to reduce CO2 emissions from transport.
We continually look for ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, products and services and are working with partners to safeguard the environment. In the U.S., Shell is involved in the protection of the unique ecosystem of coastal Louisiana and has partnered with several local and national groups such as America’s Wetland Campaign working to preserve the state's natural assets.
Our commitment to community and social responsibility has been in place for more than 50 years with nearly a half billion in contributions to support community health and welfare, arts and cultural activities and various educational initiatives, including minority education and diversity and inclusiveness programs in Houston and the U.S.
View over the Brutus platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Exploration & Production
Shell is responsible for safely finding, developing and producing oil and natural gas in the United States with operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Colorado, South Texas, Wyoming, Alabama and Alaska. Shell also has an equity interest in Aera, a California producing operation, which is jointly owned by Shell affiliates and Exxon Mobil.
Downstream
Our Downstream business sector is comprised of those businesses that are down stream from the exploration and production of oil and gas. Areas of the Downstream business that operate in the U.S. include B2B, Biofuels, Chemicals, Hydrogen, Lubricants, Manufacturing, Retail, and Supply and Distribution.
Gas & Power
The Gas & Power business in the U.S. liquefies and transports nearly 12 million tons of natural gas a year and generates almost 900 megawatts of CO2 free energy with eight wind development projects located across the U.S. Our proprietary coal gasification process and coal-to-liquids initiatives offer additional opportunities for generating reliable, competitive and environmentally sound energy sources.
Global Solutions
Shell Global Solutions originated as a research and technical service network to support the Shell Group activities worldwide. In 1997, a significant part of this capability was placed on an independent, commercial footing to make this knowledge and expertise available on a consultative basis to other companies.
Trading
The global network of Shell Trading companies encompasses the Shell trading activities worldwide. In the U.S., our trading organizations (Shell Energy North America and Shell Trading) are leading providers of natural gas, power and environmental products, marketing and trading, comprehensive risk management products, asset and supply management services and product transportation. We serve public and private utilities, commercial and industrial companies, retail aggregators, and energy producers.
Shell in the U.S. Contribution to Group Results (as of Q1 2009) | ||||||
| Total Group | Shell U.S. | % Shell U.S. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | YTD | Q1 | YTD | Q1 | YTD | |
| Operating Segments | ||||||
| Earnings ($B) | 3.297 | 3.297 | (270) | (270) | -8%* | -8%* |
| Capital Expenditures ($B) | 6.385 | 6.385 | 1.041 | 1.041 | 16% | 16% |
| Barrels of Oil Equivalent | 3,396 | 3,396 | 466 | 466 | 14%** | 14%** |
| * (Includes Shell share of Motiva) | ||||||
| ** (Includes oil sands) | ||||||
Source: Quarterly data is from the First Quarter 2009 Royal Dutch Shell plc (Group) earnings release that provides USA data in comparison to total Group data. Total Group figures include the Group’s share of Equilon and Motiva interests.
- Today, the world will produce, through the national and independent oil companies, about 85 million barrels of oil and gas equivalent; we will use just under 85 million barrels. So the supply/demand balance of available energy is at a precarious edge.
- The International Energy Agency estimates that by 2025 the world will need 120 million barrels a day.
- Approximately three percent of the world’s oil and approximately three and a half percent of the world’s gas is produced by Shell companies, similar to other major private oil and gas companies.
- Every four seconds, a plane is refueled by Shell Aviation.
- In that time, about 1,200 cars visit a Shell service station.
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