Shell has paused construction at one of its biggest energy transition projects, a huge plant in Rotterdam that was intended to convert waste into jet fuel and biodiesel. The plant, which was given the green light in 2021, was already behind schedule because of technical difficulties. Originally slated to start production in April, Shell said earlier this year it would be operational “in the latter part of the decade”.
“Temporarily pausing on-site construction now will allow us to assess the most commercial way forward for the project,” said Huibert Vigeveno, Shell’s downstream, renewables and energy solutions director. Sustainable fuels remained a “key part” of Shell’s strategy, he added, but the company would spend money in a “measured and disciplined way”.