MiAlgae has taken a step forward in its strategy to increase the production of its biotech solutions by submitting plans for a new production facility in Grangemouth, Scotland.
The first phase of the site is estimated to create over 100 green jobs once operational. The planned expansion will allow MiAlgae to continue to offer retraining opportunities for workers transitioning from the oil and gas industry.
MiAlgae repurposes whisky industry by-products to grow microalgae as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to fish-derived omega-3s. The site is ideally located near distilleries and MiAlgae’s customers in the Central Belt of Scotland, which will help it scale its production model.
The new facility will enable the company to address the increasing demands from aquaculture and pet food markets, which are seeking sustainable and ethical sources of marine omega-3s. MiAlgae is also exploring new markets including meat alternatives, nutraceuticals and livestock feed – sectors with significant global demand.
The new site will be modular, expanding as demand grows with new facilities planned close to feedstock sources locally and overseas.
According to the company, timing is critical, which is why it is keen to see the Grangemouth site plans approved as quickly as possible. Alternative sites are being explored as a contingency.
“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 Founder and CEO Douglas Martin said.
MiAlgae has been working closely with various partners throughout the planning application process.
Martin added: “The area has a rich industrial history, and we’re proud to contribute to its evolution. We’re also proud to be involved in Project Willow, which encourages green industries to establish themselves in Grangemouth, contributing to the area’s transformation into a hub for green technologies. MiAlgae is at exactly the right stage of growth to contribute to the success of Project Willow. We are proven at scale, there is market demand for our product and we’re championing biotechnology in Scotland. We’re looking forward to working closely with local stakeholders and the Scottish Government to make this vision a reality.”
