UK and Scotland Propose Sustainable Future for Grangemouth Refinery Complex
Key Ideas
  • The UK and Scottish governments unveil proposals for the Grangemouth refinery complex's future, including hydrogen production and plastics recycling, aiming to create up to 800 jobs by 2040.
  • The £1.5-million feasibility study suggests converting the site into a low-carbon fuels manufacturing hub, supported by £225 million in funding from both governments.
  • Investment areas include waste management, biofeedstock utilization, and offshore wind support, with plans for hydrogen utilization in various processes for sustainable fuel and chemicals production.
  • Efforts are underway to attract private investments and transform the site, with a goal to present investible propositions within the next 12 months, following the announcement of Project Willow in 2024.
The UK and Scottish governments have unveiled potential options for securing a long-term industrial future for the Petroineos Manufacturing Scotland Ltd.'s Grangemouth refinery complex in Scotland. A feasibility study conducted by Ernst & Young Global Ltd. identified proposals to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production, and other projects, with the potential to create up to 800 jobs by 2040. The plan, supported by £225 million in funding from both governments, aims to transform the site into a low-carbon fuels manufacturing hub as part of Project Willow. The study highlighted key investment areas in waste management, biofeedstock utilization, and offshore wind support. These areas include processes such as hydrothermal upgrading, chemical plastics recycling, bioethanol production from Scottish timber, and the conversion of cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel using low-carbon hydrogen. Additionally, plans involve replacing natural gas with hydrogen, producing methanol and ammonia from low-carbon hydrogen for shipping and chemicals. Both governments are collaborating with Petroineos to promote the proposals and attract investor interest to support businesses and stakeholders. The release of the feasibility study follows Petroineos' confirmation of ending operations at Grangemouth in 2025, with efforts underway to present investible propositions for the site within the next 12 months.
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