Grangemouth industrial cluster must sustainably decarbonise to achieve targets

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

The Grangemouth industrial cluster must sustainably decarbonise to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, according to a Scottish Government consultation document. Those involved in industry around Grangemouth are being invited to share their views on the Government’s regional transition plan.

Current data suggests the Grangemouth cluster, which includes a number of oil infrastructure facilities, was responsible for 7.2 per cent of Scotland’s total emissions in 2022. The oil refinery at Grangemouth is due to close next year, sparking fears for hundreds of jobs there.

The UK and Scottish governments are working on another plan for the site’s long-term future called Project Willow. However the Scottish Conservatives dismissed the consultation as a “talking shop” which would do nothing for workers.

Ministers in Edinburgh say Grangemouth can become a global leader in sustainable manufacturing and production, pointing to opportunities in biofuels and hydrogen. The document says it has a vision for Grangemouth to be “a thriving industrial cluster which has reduced carbon emissions to net zero” by 2045.

Acting minister for climate action Alasdair Allan said: “Grangemouth has long played a vital role as Scotland’s leading industrial cluster and it is right that the area continues to help lead the way in our journey to net zero by 2045. Our first regional Just Transition plan published today sets out our approach to support the growth of a decarbonised economy that puts local communities at its heart.

"It makes clear our vision for the future and gives specific actions across a number of areas to help achieve a just transition for Grangemouth. The plan complements our ongoing activity focused around Grangemouth, including our support package in response to the proposed closure of the refinery and the work we are doing to explore low carbon transition opportunities for the refinery workforce.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

“We are working hard to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the wider industrial cluster and its skilled workforce, and this plan will be vital in helping us to deliver this.”

Conservative net zero spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: “Workers at Grangemouth want to see real action from this SNP Government that protects their jobs and livelihoods.

"The last thing they need is yet another talking shop that does nothing to make sure they are included in our measured transition to net zero. If the SNP truly believe in a long-term future for the refinery, they must invest in the current workforce, not just offer them more empty words.”

Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary, said: “The Grangemouth oil refinery is due to close next year, with 2,822 direct and indirect jobs being thrown on the scrapheap, along with a loss of £403.6m to the Scottish economy, which will be an economic earthquake.

“The potential renewables jobs at the Grangemouth complex are years away and they will do nothing to protect the current jobs at the refinery. Unite believes that the UK and Scottish Governments must step in to keep the refinery open by taking a transitional stake until such a time we can deliver the greener jobs of the future.

“Unless this public support happens then both governments will be responsible for creating working class wastelands and allowing mass industrial vandalism to take place.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.