A draft plan has been released today as part of a wider initiative to support a just transition to net zero and foster the growth of the region's decarbonised economy.
This regional just transition plan is a pioneering effort that outlines the Scottish Government's vision for the future of the Grangemouth industrial cluster and the potential benefits for the local community.
By successfully decarbonising, Grangemouth has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable manufacturing and production, attracting investment and securing the future of both the existing and future workforce, as well as the wider community.
The Scottish Government has collaborated with the Grangemouth Future Industry Board to develop the Grangemouth Industrial Just Transition Plan, which aims to support industrial decarbonisation, low-carbon manufacturing, net zero community wealth building, and the reskilling and development of the local workforce.
Proposed actions include:
• developing an industry-led technical and commercial investment strategy which includes a decarbonisation pathway to secure investment for scale up
• creating a Grangemouth Industrial Skills offer to help tailor training needs for the existing and future workforce
-- Advertisement --
• improving the co-ordination of initiatives across the Forth Valley to ensure targeted interventions match needs
• funding a recognised Community Engagement and Participation Manager as a first step in supporting the community to play a role in decision making
• establishing a Grangemouth Regulatory Hub to support a just transition and understand how regulation can unlock industrial decarbonisation
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. 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.
"The consultation is an opportunity to help shape the development of the plan, and Grangemouth's future. I encourage all who have a vested interest to participate."
CVS Falkirk and District Chief Executive Officer, Victoria McRae said:
"The voice of local communities must be heard in relation to the plans for a Just Transition for Grangemouth. As the Third Sector Interface for the local area, CVS Falkirk and District are pleased to be able to take forward, support and facilitate these important conversations. We look forward to hearing a range of views and we have opened a Hub in Grangemouth's Town Centre to provide a base for this discussion and engagement."
Syngenta Head of Corporate Affairs UK, Luke Gibbs said: "Syngenta is a large scale fine chemical manufacturer anchoring the Grangemouth Chemical Cluster. We believe that the Grangemouth Just Transition Plan is an important part of achieving a sustainable future across the range of activities that together form the wider Grangemouth industrial area - fine chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. As such, this consultation provides a key opportunity for companies in Grangemouth to input their views and highlight needs, and collectively achieve a sustainable, enabling, investable, and viable future for all."
