Grangemouth is to benefit from a fresh £10 million investment package aimed at creating new jobs, expanding green industry and building a stronger skills pipeline for local people as the town transitions towards a low‑carbon future.
Funding to scale green innovation
The new package includes further backing for Celtic Renewables to support its expansion into large‑scale commercial production of sustainable biochemical solutions at Grangemouth. The company plans a new industrial‑scale biorefinery at the site with ten times the capacity of its current demonstrator plant, using innovative fermentation technology to turn local food and drink by‑products into high‑value green chemicals.
Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin described the project as a clear statement of intent on just transition for the industrial cluster. She 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.”
Public investment unlocking private capital
Scottish Enterprise will invest £5 million of equity into Celtic Renewables, building on more than £6 million of previous support channelled through the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund. That public backing has helped unlock a further £5 million from private investors, taking the total value of this latest growth round to £10 million.
Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said the company exemplifies how Scottish ideas can be commercialised at scale. “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,” he said.
Jobs, just transition and local opportunity
The expansion of Celtic Renewables’ operations at Grangemouth is expected to create 149 new jobs by 2030, including highly skilled science, technology and manufacturing roles. Ministers view the project as a key building block in efforts to move the area from traditional refining towards a diversified, low‑carbon industrial base while retaining high‑value employment.
Gillian Martin added that the wider package of support emerging for the cluster shows a credible route forward for workers and the community. “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,” she said.
Skills pathways through Forth Valley College
Alongside the industry investment, a £90,000 funding pot will support a new employment pathways programme delivered by Forth Valley College in partnership with Falkirk Council. Run from the college’s Falkirk Campus and its STEM and renewables training facilities, the initiative will offer tailored training, recognised qualifications and confidence‑building support to help local residents move into jobs in growing low‑carbon and technical sectors.
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said the programme is designed to put local people at the centre of Grangemouth’s transition. “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,” he said.
