Shell Chemical Appalachia to build petrochemicals complex near Pittsburgh

It said main construction would start in about 18 months, and commercial production expected to begin early in the next decade. The complex would comprise an ethylene cracker with polyethylene derivatives unit.

It would use low-cost ethane from shale gas producers in the Marcellus and Utica basins to produce 1.6m tonnes of polyethylene a year.

Polyethylene is used in many products, from food packaging and containers to automotive components.

The facility would be built on the banks of the Ohio River in Potter Township, Beaver County, about 30 miles north-west of Pittsburgh.

Shell Appalachia -- a Shell affiliate -- said the project would bring new growth and jobs to the region, with up to 6000 construction workers involved, and an expected 600 permanent employees when completed.