Shell, Paques form JV for bio-desulfurisation technology in Europe
Shell and Paques Holding B.V. have agreed upon the formation of a 50-50 joint venture, Paqell B.V., to focus their efforts on the marketing of biological desulfurisation in the oil and gas sector for high pressure gas applications using THIOPAQ O&G (oil & gas) technology.
“The joint venture itself demonstrates Shell.s continuous drive to develop innovative solutions for the future, particularly with growth in the gas sector and the challenges in meeting increasing energy demand and environmental expectations,” said Theo Bodewes, Shell’s vice president for gas and liquids treating technologies. “Our unique sulfur recovery technology is well-positioned to address the industry needs, and we are pleased to start a new chapter in our cooperation with Paques.”
“The foundation of Paqell will give a stronger dedicated focus for their successful activities,” added Rob Heim, managing director of Paques Holding B.V.
“This joint venture is the achievement of our strategy of continuous innovation and forming partnerships for product and market development. We therefore look forward to an even closer cooperation with Shell,” Heim said.
THIOPAQ has been deployed by Paques in the water business for atmospheric biogas desulfurization since the early 1990s.
Paques then formed a technology alliance with Shell in 1997, and saw the successful deployment of THIOPAQ to the broader oil and gas industry, particularly in large scale H2S removal and sulfur recovery.
THIOPAQ is currently being applied in four sites in the oil and gas industry, with seven projects under construction, the firms said.
A new research and development (R&D) program will be concluded by the end of next year, which aims to provide next-generation THIOPAQ O&G technology with a step change in efficiency and capacity, according to the venture.
Once the research program is successfully completed, Paqell will operate from the Watercampus in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, where there is a high level of expertise available in sustainable water technology.
For now, Paqell operates from Leeuwarden, Amsterdam, and Balk in the Netherlands.
Machiel van der Schoot will be managing director of Paqell B.V.
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