- Business
- Shell plc operates as a global energy and petrochemical company engaged in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, and marketing. Its core products and services include integrated gas operations such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuels; upstream exploration and extraction of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; downstream activities comprising chemical manufacturing, refining of crude oil into various petroleum products, lubricants, and fuel marketing; and renewables and energy solutions including power generation from wind, solar, hydrogen production and marketing, carbon capture and storage hubs, carbon credits, and nature-based emissions reduction projects. Shell also operates an extensive trading and optimization network for crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals, natural gas, and electricity across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Americas, and the United States. The company is repurposing chemical plants and refineries into integrated energy and chemicals parks to support its energy transition strategy.
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Shell employs approximately 96,000 people worldwide. Recent major changes include a strategic shift initiated under CEO Wael Sawan to prioritize higher-return projects, notably scaling back investments in offshore wind and restructuring its power division into two separate units for power generation and trading to enhance operational focus and accountability. Shell completed an acquisition to increase its interest in Nigeria's deep-water Bonga oil field and is advancing investments in integrated gas and LNG, reaffirming its commitment to maintain substantial liquids production while accelerating growth in lower-carbon and renewable energy sectors. The company also emphasizes corporate simplification, resilience, and competitiveness through enhanced cost-efficiency and renewed financial targets aimed at delivering shareholder value with reduced emissions.
Shell's business segments consist of Integrated Gas, Upstream, Marketing (including Mobility, Lubricants, and Sectors & Decarbonization), Chemicals and Products, and Renewables and Energy Solutions. These segments serve diverse markets spanning industrial, household, transport sectors, and wholesale and retail customers. Shell remains a leading investor-owned oil and gas company with significant operations in energy supply chains, petrochemicals, and a growing portfolio in renewables and carbon management, positioning itself strategically to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while sustaining material production of traditional energy resources. Its global footprint and diversified product portfolio confirm its market leadership in the energy transition era.