Two new projects on the site of a former oil refinery could create up to 460 new jobs in the coming years, with the help of cash from the UK and Scottish governments.
Scottish Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said the announcements by two firms of plans to create jobs shows a “long-term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable”.
Scottish biotech firm MiAlgae hopes to create 130 direct full-time jobs over the next five years – and support 180 further posts – by making fish-free Omega 3 supplements using leftover by-products from the whisky production process.
With the proposals announced in the wake of the closure of what was Scotland’s only oil refinery back in April, MiAlgae is being helped with £1.5m of funding from both governments.
The UK government cash is coming from a £14.5m funding pot for the Grangemouth area announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as part of last month’s budget.
With the project also receiving Just Transition Funding from the Scottish government, MiAlgae can now construct its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility.
MiAlgae founder and chief executive Douglas Martin said breaking ground at Grangemouth “marks an exciting new chapter” for his company.
He added: “Our mission has always been to make a meaningful impact, tackling overfishing, reducing waste, and creating sustainable value from industrial by-products.
“This new facility is a huge step towards delivering that mission at scale, bringing new, high-quality green jobs to the local area, and helping Scotland lead the way in this exciting new biotech industry.”
Meanwhile, Celtic Renewables could create up to 149 jobs by 2030 after it received £6.23m of cash from Holyrood ministers towards the planning and construction of a new £120m industrial-scale biorefinery.
This work will see waste products from the food, drink and farming sectors converted into acetone, butanol and ethanol – chemicals used in everyday items such as cleaning products and nail varnish remover.
Celtic Renewables biorefinery at Grangemouth. Pic: Celtic Renewables
Celtic Renewables currently operates a commercial demonstrator biorefinery on a 2.5 acre site at Grangemouth.
Mark Simmers, the firm’s chief executive, said: “This investment is a landmark moment for green technologies and is a significant recognition of the work Celtic Renewables is doing for Scotland’s green economy and the future of Grangemouth.
“With this support from Scottish government, we can progress our plans to upscale our production capabilities in a large-scale biorefinery with 10 times the capacity of our current facility, creating new green job opportunities, to meet the fast-growing demand for low-carbon, bio-based chemicals.”
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Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the £1.5m investment will “support MiAlgae’s innovative green technology and boost jobs and investment in Grangemouth”.
He added: “The UK government is backing Grangemouth’s future with real investment and a clear plan.
“We promised to secure the site’s long-term future and create good jobs, and that’s exactly what we’re doing – supporting new industries, creating opportunities, and ensuring this site remains a vital part of Scotland’s industrial heartland for generations to come.”
Scottish government funding of £600,000 is also being given to Scottish Enterprise to support work to ensure Grangemouth is seen as attractive for new investors.
Speaking about the proposals from MiAlgae and Celtic Renewables, MSP Ms Martin said: “Today’s announcement will help to support the creation of up to 460 roles directly and across the supply chain in Scotland, and help to highlight the wide range of viable alternatives for Grangemouth.
“They demonstrate that a long-term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable, and will be vital to support the local workforce and community.
“This funding is only the start of the Scottish government’s support to help safeguard Grangemouth’s role as a leading industrial cluster, and ensure the site continues to support our economy through new, green investment opportunities.”
