MiAlgae says its planned facility will bring 100 jobs for Grangemouth
A Scottish company that uses whisky industry by-products to grow microalgae as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to fish-derived Omega-3s is hoping to build a production plant in Grangemouth.
MiAlgae is a biotech company that has developed a process which it says will reduce the aquaculture sector’s dependence on wild-caught fish for the Omega-3 oils that are vital for both fish and human health.
It has now submitted plans for a production facility at Grangemouth, on Scotland’s east coast, where Scotland’s last oil refinery is in the process of being shut down – although its owners are reportedly working with the UK and Scottish governments to ensure the future of the petrochemical complex alongside the refinery.
MiAlgae said the first phase of its proposed site is estimated to create over 100 green jobs once operational. The planned expansion, the company said, will allow MiAlgae to continue to offer retraining opportunities for workers transitioning from the oil and gas industry.
The company added: “Timing is critical, which is why the company is keen to see the Grangemouth site plans are approved as quickly as possible. Alternative sites are being explored as a contingency.”
Douglas Martin, Founder and Managing Director of MiAlgae said: “Grangemouth has incredible potential for us as we look to the next stage of our growth. This location offers an ideal position to support our scaling efforts and meet the increasing demand for our “biotech for good” solutions, with the creation of green jobs across engineering, production, and research and development. We are confident that this new facility will help build a greener future and bring high-quality, sustainable jobs to the local community.”
MiAlgae has been working closely with various partners, including manufacturer CalaChem, throughout the planning application process. It is also working with the Scottish Government’s Project Willow, which seeks to encourage the growth of “green” industries in the area to eventually replace the petrochemical industries based there.
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