Grangemouth will benefit from £10 million new investment to
create new jobs and boost skills development.
Further investment into Celtic Renewables will support the
company's expansion into large‑scale commercial production of
sustainable biochemical solutions, creating 149 new jobs in the
area by 2030.
The funding comprises £5 million in Scottish Enterprise equity
funding - building on previous Scottish Government investment of
over £6 million via the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund - which
has in turn leveraged £5 million from the private sector into
Celtic Renewables.
During Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the Scottish Government has
also announced £90,000 for a new employment pathways programme in
the region, run by Forth Valley College in collaboration with
Falkirk Council.
The programme will help local Grangemouth residents develop
practical and technical skills, gain accredited training and
qualifications, connect with local industries, and receive
personal development support to improve their chances of getting
a job or progressing to further education.
Climate Action and Energy Secretary said:
“This investment is a clear demonstration of our commitment to
securing a just transition for Grangemouth and ensuring the
region remains at the heart of Scotland's low‑carbon industrial
future.
“Celtic Renewables is an outstanding example of the innovation
and ambition that is driving our move towards net zero, and this
further investment by Scottish Enterprise will help the company
scale up, create high‑quality jobs and build new skills for the
local workforce.
“During Scottish Apprenticeship Week, it is also particularly
important to highlight how this package – including new support
for pathways into employment – will open up opportunities for
people across the area. By backing pioneering technologies and
investing in our future workforce, we are laying the foundations
for a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous Grangemouth.”
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie said:
“Celtic Renewables is a great example of how
Scottish innovation and tenacity can transform a concept into a
strong commercial opportunity with significant scaling
potential.
"We've supported the company's growth ambitions since 2011, and
it's pleasing to see its first operational demonstrator plant
here in Grangemouth as well as hearing they're accelerating their
plans for a full-scale biorefinery, which will create
high-quality jobs.
“Today's investment
and employability announcements clearly demonstrate the
impactful partnership approach of
the Grangemouth Future Industries Board, bringing
together our collective drive
and expertise to transform
the area into a leading destination
for green energy and fine chemicals innovation.”
Celtic Renewables Chief Executive Mark Simmers said: “Our
demonstrator facility in Grangemouth is Scotland's first
biorefinery and has been operational since 2023. In that time,
we've proven that our patented ABE fermentation process is
scalable and commercially viable, de-risking future projects.
“Today, demand for our bio-based chemicals far outstrips current
production capabilities at our demonstrator plant. Companies
globally are seeking to switch to green chemicals to cut their
indirect Scope 3 emissions and meet increasing customer demand
for more sustainable products. With this latest investment, we're
now poised to take the knowledge gained at our demonstrator plant
and scale to full industrial-level operations in Grangemouth.”
Principal of Forth Valley College Kenny MacInnes said: "We
welcome this funding announcement and are excited by the
opportunities that it will create. It enables us to deliver a
targeted, high impact programme that will put local people at the
heart of Grangemouth's transition to a net zero economy.
"Through our Future Skills Pathways to Employment programme -
which will be based at our Falkirk Campus and its
state-of-the-art STEM and Renewables training facilities - we
will equip individuals with the practical skills, recognised
qualifications and confidence needed to access real job
opportunities in growing low carbon and technical sectors.
"By working closely with Falkirk Council, employers and community
partners, we are ensuring that the benefits of economic
transition are inclusive, locally rooted and focused on long term
employment outcomes. This investment is about creating
opportunity, building resilience and making sure no one is left
behind as our economy evolves.”
Background
Today's announcement confirms a total of £10 million in
additional investment, comprising:
- £5 million in equity investment from Scottish Enterprise
- £5 million leveraged from private sector investors
£6.23 million has already been invested into Celtic Renewables by
the Scottish Government through the Grangemouth Just Transition
Fund, the funding from Scottish Enterprise builds on this.
Funding to support up to 460 new
jobs at Grangemouth - gov.scot
