The Scottish Government has announced £8.5 million in funding to support the creation of up to 460 new jobs at the Grangemouth industrial cluster and surrounding area. This initiative aims to stimulate green investment, sustainable manufacturing, and local economic growth while supporting the just transition of the region’s workforce.
A £1.5 million allocation from the Grangemouth Just Transition Fund will support Scottish biotech company MiAlgae, which is developing fish-free omega-3 from algae using whisky byproducts. The project is expected to create up to 310 jobs over the next five years while saving an estimated 30 tonnes of fish per tonne of algae produced, mitigating the environmental impact of overfishing. The funding will be match funded by the UK Government and administered by Scottish Enterprise, with a projected economic benefit of £53 million to Scotland.
In addition, Celtic Renewables will receive £6.23 million to support pre-construction work for a new bio-refinery in Grangemouth. The facility will convert food, drink, and farming waste into ‘green’ chemicals such as acetone, butanol, and ethanol, creating up to 149 jobs by 2030. This technology has been identified by Project Willow as a viable pathway for sustainable industrial development within the Grangemouth cluster.
Scottish Enterprise will also receive £0.6 million to improve planning and infrastructure at the site, making it more attractive for future investment. A further £150,000 through the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal will fund a role at CVS Falkirk to ensure community engagement in the Grangemouth Just Transition Plan.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin emphasized that the funding will support local job creation, showcase alternative industrial opportunities, and safeguard Grangemouth’s position as a leading industrial cluster. Jan Robertson, Director of Grangemouth Transition at Scottish Enterprise, highlighted the milestone achievements of MiAlgae and Celtic Renewables, noting that the funding and infrastructure improvements will unlock further investment and generate high-quality jobs and supply chain opportunities for the community.
