Shell Chemical has closed on the purchase of a site in Beaver County, Pa., for a proposed $4 billion ethane cracker. Pending a final investment decision, Shell will convert a 300-acre zinc smelter formerly owned by Horsehead Corp. into what would be the first ethane cracker in the Northeast. Via Platts, Shell and Horsehead first signed an option agreement to convert the site in March 2012. Shell extended the option to purchase the site three times before making its final decision.
A Shell spokeswoman said the company would make a final decision after it has fully evaluated the project. Shell hired Linde and Bechtel last November to perform front-end engineering and design work.
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