Shell Global You are in: Shell Global About us Our major projects Pennsylvania Petrochemicals Complex PENNSYLVANIA PETROCHEMICALS COMPLEX We have taken the final investment decision to move ahead with the US Pennsylvania Petrochemicals Complex, a major petrochemicals plant that will process ethane from shale gas. Key facts Location: Potter Township, Beaver County approximately 50 km (30 miles) north-west of Pittsburgh Interests: Shell 100% Average peak annual production: 1.6 million tonnes of polyethylene Project development Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC took the final investment decision in June 2016 to build a major petrochemicals plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The plant will consist of an ethylene cracker with a polyethylene derivatives unit. Main construction will start approximately 18 months after final investment decision, with commercial production expected to begin early in the next decade. The plant will use low-cost ethane from shale gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins to produce 1.6 million tonnes of polyethylene each year. Polyethylene is used in many everyday products, from food packaging and containers to automotive components. The facility will be built on the banks of the Ohio River in Potter Township, Beaver County, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north-west of Pittsburgh. As a result of its close proximity to a source of natural gas, the plant – and its customers – will benefit from shorter and more dependable supply chains, compared to supply from the Gulf Coast. The location is also ideal because more than 70% of North American polyethylene customers are within a 1,100-kilometre (700-mile) radius of Pittsburgh. Environment and society The project will bring new growth and jobs to the region, with up to 6,000 construction workers involved in building the new facility, and an expected 600 permanent employees when completed. Share this MORE IN ABOUT US Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex (SEPC) is our largest integrated refinery and petrochemical complex. Pearl GTL Producing cleaner-burning transport fuel and other valuable liquid products from the world’s largest gas-to-liquids plant, Pearl GTL. Who we are What we do Our values Leadership Major projects The Shell brand Events Contact us YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN Tight and shale gas We are safely tapping into huge resources of natural gas, known as tight and shale gas, held deep inside rock. Overcoming technology challenges We develop innovative technologies to find and safely unlock more, and affordable, energy from ever harder-to-reach places. Boosting the ingredients for modern life A vast project has boosted production of the raw chemicals that go into products we use every day, from the phone in your pocket to the pillow you sleep on. Connect with us More about Shell Who we are What we do Our values Leadership Our major projects UK Modern Slavery Act The Shell brand Can we help? Job search for professionals Shell station locator Shell credit cards Social media Shell apps Shell Global Helpline Site information Accessibility Terms and conditions Privacy policy Cookie policy Fraud and scam alert Contact us