gas-to-liquids plant. Ras Laffan, Qatar.
Our gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology makes it possible to use natural gas, rather than crude oil, to make a range of liquid products. These include developing cleaner fuels for cars and aircraft, and materials that are used to make chemicals and lubricants.
During 2014, we launched Shell Helix Ultra, a motor oil made from natural gas and Shell GTL technology, Shell PurePlus. These products offer better protection against the build-up of engine deposits than oil-based products. (See “Innovation”). Shell GTL Fuel is an alternative to diesel that emits less sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions. Trials of the fuel show that it can help improve local air quality in cities when used as a substitute for diesel.
Pearl GTL is a partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum. It is the world’s largest GTL plant. The plant, located 80 km north of Doha, Qatar, is capable of producing 140,000 barrels of oil GTL products a day, as well as 120,000 barrels of oil equivalent in natural gas liquids and ethane.
