Shell has set itself the goal of becoming a zero-emissions energy business by 2050. We are therefore transforming our business by reducing emissions from our operations, producing more low-carbon energy and working with our customers to make changes as well. In October 2021, we announced a new goal to halve our absolute emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2016 levels on a net basis. This includes all Category 1 and Category 2 emissions under Shell’s operational control. This means all emissions from our own operations, such as refining, oil and gas production and chemicals production, as well as all emissions from the energy we purchase to run these operations, such as electricity, heat and steam.

Electromobility, renewable energy sources and energy solutions

Shell is building an integrated energy business that includes low-carbon and renewable electricity. Through Shell Energy Retail, we provide electricity to 1.5 million customers in the UK. The electricity comes from 100% renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass and is certified by the Renewable Energy Guarantee Organization (REGO). This means that the electricity we sell is matched by an equivalent number of units from 100% renewable sources in the UK. Shell UK is already one of the leading providers of electric vehicle charging solutions in the UK and aims to have 100,000 chargers by 2030. In January 2022, we opened our first UK EV charging center in Fulham, London, where petrol and diesel pumps at an existing petrol station were replaced with ultra-fast charging points.

Carbon capture and storage

Shell UK invests in CCS projects that use a combination of technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide deep underground. In Scotland, Shell is one of three equal partners in the Acorn project, which aims to provide critical CCS and hydrogen infrastructure to help the UK decarbonize. We are also part of the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), a group committed to decarbonizing the South Wales region using CCS, among other technologies. South Wales is the second largest industrial emitter in the UK, releasing the equivalent of 16 million tons of carbon dioxide per year from industry and energy, so the SWIC project could help significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region.

Driving progress in the UK

As outlined in our strategy, we want to help the UK on its journey to net-zero, while delivering the critical energy the country needs today. In November 2022, we contributed to the government’s Skidmore net-zero review. It looks at how the UK can achieve net-zero, delivering growth and energy security. Shell UK intends to invest £20-25 billion in the UK energy system by 2030. This is one of the largest single investments in the UK energy system. More than 75% of this is earmarked for low- and zero-carbon products and services, including offshore wind, hydrogen and electric vehicle charging. This intention, which must be approved by the board of directors, implies that a significant portion of the funds will also be used to ensure the security of the UK’s energy supply.