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On the land that we're standing on now, an old gibbet field,
Shell started its research activities in 1914.
Back then there was only a small, austerely furnished lab.
Nine employees - real pioneers - started writing a special history.
The first activities involved paraffins.
It was a time when petrol was still an unpleasant by-product...
...a product one had to get rid of.
But the enormous growth in motorised traffic required
ever more petrol and also asphalt.
The world changed rapidly and the demand for energy
and related products was ever-increasing.
As a result, the lab grew quickly
and the number of activities, and pioneers, increased.
Ever since that first day in 1914, we've been working together as a team
to realise things that were deemed impossible.
Shell's 100th anniversary here in Amsterdam
is not just about history.
Above all, it marks a new era of developments.
Therefore we've asked two young researchers
to work together with our colleagues to publish an attractive book.
After all, it's they who represent the generation
who shape the future of energy through innovation.
Now, a book that includes all technical achievements
of one hundred years of research and development
will become much too voluminous.
Therefore we decided to only show a cross-section
by presenting 12 different technologies.
And with this cross-section, we give an insight
into how we move from idea to deployment.
And we chose to not only show production processes,
but also products, research methods and techniques.
Having a close look at our history really makes you realise
that developments that took place 100 years ago
still impact our daily lives.
Can you imagine a world without petrol, without roads,
without aeroplanes, without detergents - or even raincoats?
Unbelievable right?
It really gives me a kick to be part of this development
and writing a new chapter of history.
I feel proud of what we have achieved here in Amsterdam in a hundred years.
This book is but a small selection from our treasure trove.
I hope you will enjoy it.