Removing more of the sulphur from petrol and diesel is an important way to cut local air pollution from vehicles. However, doing so means that more sulphur becomes available than markets need for traditional uses (such as making fertiliser and chemicals). So Shell Sulphur Solutions, created in 2007, is looking for profitable and environmentally friendly new ways to use this extra sulphur. For example, it has developed technology to make concrete that uses sulphur, Shell ThiocreteTM. It can be produced without water and avoids much of the CO2 emitted when making traditional Portland cement. Products made from Shell Thiocrete are expected be on the market in 2009. Shell Sulphur Solutions has also found a new way to add sulphur to asphalt (Shell ThiopaveTM) to create more durable roads that can be laid at lower temperatures, saving energy and CO2 emissions. A successful road trial of Shell Thiopave took place at the end of 2008. As a result, it is being considered for use on a commercial scale to pave roads for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. A sulphur-enhanced fertiliser technology, Shell ThiogroTM, is already in commercial use.
