My guess is that Shell doesn't want to be late for GLE's big party. Their latest news release fulfills their contractual agreements which expires in a week.
We were very pleased with the speed with which we achieved results in this research project,” said Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChrysler’s fuel cell project. “This is a good example of the versatility of the new fuel cell technology. But, because of the expected high costs we will continue to work on a methanol reactor as our first priority, as this is the most advanced technology today.We will also keep an eye on the progress the CPO reactor is making.” ...
"With these results, the joint research project will officially come to an end by 28th February 2000. Each party will now look for possibilities for commercialisation of this technology."
complete story ...
http://www.shell.com/library/press/0,1254,4607,00.html
Methanol can then be transformed into acetic acid and a large number of derivatives, such as the fuel additive MTBE.
"MTBE's threat to water could be longlasting NEW YORK, Jan 13 (Reuters) - MTBE, a widely used gasoline additive now banned in several states for its tendency to pollute groundwater, could pose a costly threat to drinking supplies for years after it disappears from the gas pumps, experts say."
Read more about the E.P.A.'s screw-up #1 ...
http://www.cmtcanada.com/DrivingSense/jan13_mtbe.html
This is what Shell is really doing.
Shell And Siemens Westinghouse Sign Fuel Cell Cooperative Development Agreement Issued on Tuesday 13 July 1999 "Shell Hydrogen and Siemens Westinghouse today announced an agreement to develop and market a unique power generation technology fueled by natural gas that would essentially eliminate the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Utilizing a special type of solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC), developed by Siemens Westinghouse in co-operation with the US Department of Energy, and carbon dioxide sequestration (removal) technology being developed by Shell, electricity can be generated that would nearly eliminate emissions to the atmosphere. These advanced solid-oxide fuel cell power plants will only produce water and pure carbon dioxide (CO2) as by-products. The CO2 will be injected into depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Here it will remain permanently 'sequestered' replacing the hydrocarbons that had previously been trapped naturally underground for millions of years. The water may even be pure enough to drink. "
complete story ...
http://www.shell.com/library/press/0,1254,3987,00.html
Interesting GLE acknowledged Westinghouse for larger plants ... Shell is going into the residential natural gas supply business starting in Alanta , Georgia ... yes it's all smoke and mirrors ! The end is near for the multi-billion dollar p.e.m. scam. I wonder who Shell's residential solid oxide fuel cell supplier is?