Shell plc’s long awaited Pennsylvania petrochemical project, the first major polyethylene manufacturing complex fueled by natural gas liquids in the Northeast, has begun operations, with designed output of 1.6 million metric tons/year.

The Shell Polymers Monaca (SPM) facility by subsidiary Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC is northwest of Pittsburgh, adjacent to the Ohio River on 384 acres in Beaver County. Main construction began in April 2017. 

SPM’s polyethylene and ethylene would be produced using ethane feedstock sourced from the prolific Marcellus and Utica shales. Full production is expected by the second half of 2023.

“Building this world-class facility is a fantastic achievement and one the team can be proud of; it’s a showcase of Shell’s project delivery...