Shell’s principles for producing tight/shale oil and gas
The world needs to develop more energy while safeguarding the environment. Abundant global supplies of natural gas and oil lie locked tightly in rock formations such as tight sandstone and shale. Shell is using advanced, proven technologies – including hydraulic fracturing – and follows global operating principles to unlock these resources safely and responsibly.
Our five aspirational operating principles focus on safety, environmental safeguards, and engagement with nearby communities to address concerns and help develop local economies. We are working towards making all of our Shell-operated onshore projects where hydraulic fracturing is used, to produce gas and oil from tight sandstone or shale, consistent with these principles.
We consider each project – from the geology to the surrounding environment and communities – and design our activities using technology and innovative approaches best suited to local conditions. We also support government regulations consistent with these principles that are designed to reduce risks to the environment and keep those living near operations safe.
Learn about how we use the principles for projects we operate and projects where Shell is involved, but not the operator, in the full principles guide.
Our five principles are:
Principle 1: Safety
Shell designs, constructs and operates wells and facilities in a safe and responsible way.
Principle 2: Water
Shell conducts its operations in a manner that protects groundwater and reduces potable water use as reasonably practicable.
Principle 3: Air
Shell conducts its operations in a manner that protects air quality and controls fugitive emissions as reasonably practicable.
Principle 4: Footprint
Shell works to reduce its operational footprint.
Principle 5: Community
Shell engages with local communities regarding socio-economic impacts that may arise from its operations.
Read Shell’s Onshore Operating Principles in Action: Water Fact Sheet.
Read Operating Principles in full and learn about our examples in practice.
Read Shell's On-Shore Operating Principles in Action in North America: Methane Fact Sheet
Read Shell’s Onshore Operating Principles in Action: Induced Seismicity Fact Sheet
Read Shell’s Onshore Operating Principles in Action: Community Engagement Fact Sheet
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