Celtic Renewables secures funding for green chemical production at Grangemouth   

Celtic Renewables has secured £6.23 million (€7.1 million) in new funding from the Scottish Government to scale its business producing green chemicals made from by-products and waste from the food and drink industry.
Celtic Renewables will put the funding towards the planning and construction of a new £120 million (€137 million)  industrial-scale biorefinery at Grangemouth. The new facility is expected to create 149 new jobs in Grangemouth by 2030, including highly skilled science, technology and manufacturing roles.
Celtic currently operates a commercial demonstrator biorefinery on a 2.5 acre site at Grangemouth. It uses ABE fermentation to produce bio-acetone, bio-butanol, and bio-ethanol from locally sourced feedstocks including pot ale from whisky distillation and rejected potatoes.
Celtic Renewables CEO Mark Simmers said, “Celtic Renewables is one of the first companies to receive investment from the Scottish Government to spearhead the establishment of a low-carbon industrial hub in Grangemouth.
“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 10x the capacity of our current facility, creating new green job opportunities, to meet the fast-growing demand for low-carbon, bio-based chemicals.”
The announcements come ahead of a statement to the Scottish Parliament by Energy Secretary Gillian Martin on progressing a just transition at Grangemouth.
Ms Martin said, "The Scottish Government will continue to do all that it can to support and promote local opportunities, jobs, and growth in the Grangemouth area.
“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.”