Shell is associated with oil and gas and not with electric charging stations and wind farms. Yet alternative energy sources are the future for Shell and not fossil fuels. Investing in sustainability is the course that Shell is taking, led by Marjan van Loon from Helmond. She is director of Shell Netherlands. The full electricity grid in Brabant does not help with this course, but Van Loon thinks in solutions.
In the talk show KRAAK. van Omroep Brabant says Van Loon that Shell should take a leading position when it comes to sustainability. It does not sound entirely credible from someone who, as a Shell director, mainly makes profit from oil and gas. “Times change and fossil fuels are finite, so that profit too. We have to change with it to remain a healthy company,” she responds to this suspicion.
Shell invests part of the profit, about 2 billion euros, in sustainability. For example, investments are made in the use of hydrogen, charging stations and the money is invested in wind energy and solar panels. She herself leads the way and drives a hydrogen-powered car. This is the new petrol without polluting emissions while driving.
For this change of course towards sustainability, the company will make more use of electricity. Hydrogen is produced with electricity. The Shell director was also aware of the problems in the electricity network. The network in Brabant and Limburg is full, which means that no new companies can be connected.
“When companies work together, they don’t need a major supplier.”
Van Loon says that this should not be a reason for companies not to establish themselves here. “There are already so many examples of local small networks that work together in their demand, generation and storage of electricity. When companies work together, they do not need a large supplier.”
Shell itself can also make good use of this solution. “We have no problems in the short term, but in about five years Shell will also need more electricity. We already have a huge storage facility (batteries) in Zaltbommel. The biggest problem is the installation of new, thicker cables. That is slow due to delivery problems and permits that have to be issued.”
“Be accessible and do it together.”
In the meantime, the Brabant woman has been with Shell for 33 years and has no plans to leave for the time being. Those 33 years did not automatically bring her to the top of the company. “If contract duration is indicative of the position you hold at Shell, there were many in line for me. It is hard work and every time a step.” In addition, she is proud of her Brabant character. “Be accessible and do it together.”
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