Climate change
Sustainable development goals
Safety
About our data
Our business strategy
Shell’s purpose is to power progress together by providing more and cleaner energy solutions.
Our strategy is to strengthen our position as a leading energy company by providing oil, gas and low-carbon energy products and services as the world’s energy system transforms. Safety and social responsibility are fundamental to our business approach. Shell will only succeed by working collaboratively with customers, governments, business partners, investors and other stakeholders.
Our strategy is founded on our outlook for the energy sector and the chance to grasp the opportunities arising from the substantial changes in the world around us. The rising standard of living of a growing global population is likely to continue to drive demand for energy for years to come. The world will need to find a way to meet this growing demand, while transitioning to a lower-carbon energy system to counter climate change. While liquid and gaseous fuels, including biofuels and hydrogen, will continue to be an important part of the energy mix, over time electricity needs to play a bigger part in the world if it is to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Technological advances and the need to tackle climate change mean there is a transition under way to a lower-carbon, multi-source energy system with increasing customer choice. We recognise that the pace and the path forward are uncertain and so require agile decision-making.
For more details on our business strategy, see the Strategy and outlook section in our Annual Report.
Strategic ambitions
We have the following strategic ambitions to guide us in pursuing our purpose:
- to thrive in the energy transition by responding to society’s desire for more and cleaner, convenient and competitive energy;
- to provide a world-class investment case. This involves growing free cash flow and increasing returns, all built upon a strong financial framework and resilient portfolio; and
- to sustain a strong societal licence to operate and make a positive contribution to society through our activities.
Shell business activities
Our business strategy
Oil
approximately of the world’s oil provided by Shell
Customers
customers served at our retail sites on average every day
Capital invested
in 2019
Natural gas
approximately of the world’s natural gas provided by Shell
Production
barrels of crude oil equivalent a day in 2019
Research and development
invested in research and development in 2019
