Shell synthetic GTL Fuel reduces local emissions in Davos

The combination of the synthetic diesel-type fuel and the latest diesel technology can significantly contribute to cleaner tailpipe emissions (see data on page 2). Shell will be providing 100% GTL Fuel for 81 unmodified Audi TDI cars.

The GTL Fuel will be stored and dispensed at the Shell stations at “Davos Platz” and the Glatt Centre in Zurich. GTL Fuel is a synthetic fuel produced from natural gas. It is colourless and virtually free of sulphur and aromatics, and has shown significant reductions in emissions of NOx, particulates and other local emissions.

With more than 50% of the world’s population living in urban areas, there is evidence that local vehicle exhaust emissions are a major challenge to air quality. Synthetic fuels have been shown to contribute to improved air quality in major cities such as Shanghai, and have immediate impacts on emissions across public vehicle fleets.

Shell is currently producing this GTL (or Gas to Liquids) Fuel at its Bintulu plant in Malaysia. Based on more than a decade of operating experience, in partnership with Qatar Petroleum, Shell is constructing a 140,000 bbl/d worldscale GTL plant in Qatar, ten times the size of its Malaysian production facility.

“GTL Fuel is produced by our innovative technology which we have developed over the past 30 years in our drive to develop cleaner fuels. This technology provides a bridge to low carbon fuel technologies such as biomass to liquids. GTL Fuel is a cost effective alternative fuel that can help governments and cities diversify energy sources, reduce local emissions and encourage sustainable mobility,” said Mr Jeroen van der Veer, Chief Executive of Royal Dutch Shell plc and one of the speakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Notes to editors

GTL technology is capable of converting natural gas into a range of cleaner products for use as fuels (for road, marine and aviation use), chemical feedstock or for lubricant base oils. GTL products are virtually pure paraffinic hydrocarbons that have excellent combustion properties and burn with a cleaner, smooth, controlled flame.

GTL Fuel for transport, in particular, is a clear, clean fuel, virtually free of sulphur and aromatics and has a very high cetane number. Cetane number is a measure of fuel combustion quality – rather like octane in gasoline - the higher the cetane number, the more complete the combustion. GTL Fuel has a cetane number of 75-80, much higher than the typical refinery diesel range of 48-56.

This unique natural gas-derived transport fuel can provide great flexibility. It can be used either as a pure product or as a blend with conventional diesel. Since it is made from natural gas reserves, it contributes to improving the diversity of supply of transport fuels and reducing dependence on petroleum products.

Emission benefits

GTL Fuel provides a number of benefits for both regulators and fleet operators. It can be used in conventional diesel engines, but provides significantly lower emissions of local pollutants, such as particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, even when compared to so-called ‘sulphur-free’ diesel. Percentages vary by vehicle type and test conditions: light duty vs. heavy duty; Euro-3 vs. Euro-4. For example, emissions benefits for 100% GTL Fuel in selected Audi cars in 2004 are shown in the overview above.

Additional information on www.shell.com/gtl.