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Managing emissions
With an increase in the levels of energy needed to power the world comes an increase in the levels of emissions – from CO2 to hydrogen sulphide to nitrogen oxide. These impact the quality of our air in cities and towns and are leading to a change in our climate.
So while energy demand is going up, we need emissions such as Greenhouse Gasses to go down. CO2 reductions of 50 - 80% have been identified as needed in the next 40 years to curb the threat of climate change and our energy sources must be cleaner to keep our air breathable. That is why Shell’s scientists, engineers and entire technical community are developing and using technologies that will enable us, and our customers, to use energy more efficiently, to reduce the levels of CO2 released in to the atmosphere and to remove heavy pollutants from our fuels.
Energy efficiency
The first action to reduce emissions from energy production and use is to be more efficient. How technology is maintained and used in areas such as drilling or refining can have a big impact on the energy used and hence, emissions. Likewise, high-performing fuels and lubricants help engines perform better or less. And using less energy to produce energy is a clear winner.
Reducing CO2
Whether it is reducing the generation of CO2 in the first instance, disposing of it or putting it to use, Shell’s scientific and technical advances are making breakthroughs to lower the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, all the time. These breakthroughs have enabled the development of an alternative to cement, the world’s second-largest source of industrial CO2. They are also helping secure a sustainable, low CO2 biofuel that won’t compete with food crops.
At the same time, we can gather unwanted CO2 and use it to help crops grow. And most importantly, we continue to advance the highly complex combination of technologies that enables the capture of CO2 and its safe storage underground.
Getting Cleaner
Alongside reducing CO2, we’re also finding ways to provide cleaner products to our customers. Removing sulphur, cleaning-up coal, and taking out particlulants from fuels all contribute to making the air in our cities more breathable. In the 1970’s we pioneered liquefied natural gas, and today we are the worlds largest distributor of biofuels.
We are now focusing on gas–to-liquids and coal gasification, and together with our partners, we look forward to the coming decades and our continued role in helping to ensure a cleaner future for our planet.