Corrib, Ireland
The development of the Corrib gas field (Shell interest 45%) off Ireland’s Atlantic coast is important for the country’s energy security. Almost two-thirds of Ireland’s electricity is generated using imported gas. However, once the Corrib field starts production (planned in 2015) it has the potential to provide up to 60% of Ireland’s gas demand. This is Ireland’s largest ever energy investment: Corrib has sustained an average of 1,250 jobs for the past decade, approximately half of which have been for workers from County Mayo. By the end of 2014, more than €1.1 billion had been spent on employing Irish contractors and consultants at Corrib.
A biodiversity action plan was published for Corrib in 2014. It describes the extensive biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation measures that Shell and its contractors have implemented since 2001 to protect and enhance the local environment. It also details measures to restore or improve habitats affected by construction of the site. Since construction began, we have performed rigorous environmental monitoring and collected a large amount of data on habitat and species. This will continue throughout Corrib’s operations.
Malampaya
The Malampaya deep-water gas to power project (Shell interest 45%) is one of the most significant industrial projects in the history of the Philippines. Since 2001, it has produced and supplied natural gas to three power plants in Luzon, the country’s largest island, and meets 25–30% of the country’s energy requirements for power generation.
In 2013 and 2014, two additional production wells were successfully installed and a new depletion compression platform, designed to regulate gas pressure and flow is under construction. This will help to ensure the steady supply of gas to Luzon’s electricity grid. The offshore platform is the first of its kind to be built in the Philippines.
During 2013 and 2014, the upgrade of the Malampaya facility has provided more than 1,000 new jobs for Filipinos. We also provide training to help develop people’s skills. For example, the Malampaya Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Training Centre has trained more than 6,000 Filipinos to internationally recognised standards.
