25 April 2025

Source:  Celtic Renewables

 

As we move into Q2 2025, we're pleased to share a snapshot of what's been a strong start to the year for Celtic Renewables, commercially, operationally, and publicly. Regular shipments of our green chemicals are reaching customers, and we've seen increasing interest from both government and media. 

In recent months, we've welcomed new team members, hosted high profile visits from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of Scotland, received multiple award nominations and wins, and gained consistent media coverage. It's been a fantastic start to the year, and there's much more ahead. 

 

Operations Update 

The manufacturing performance in terms of fermentation success, total solvent production and throughput for the period of January to early April 2025 has continued to show strong improvement.

Fermentation success has improved across the period with our standard recipe of pot ale and reject potatoes at 84.5% (above our target of 75%). Our equivalent success rate for the same period in 2024 was just over 30%. As a result we have been able to increase throughput to 6 fermentations per week, with a target of 7 per week consistently by the end of 2025. In March we achieved 9 fermentations in 9 days with 8 successful, and so we are confident of achieving this target.

With throughput increasing, so too is our production of green chemicals, with regular shipments to customers being achieved (see below).
 Project Willow Report & ABE Fermentation The recently announced Project Willow Report highlights key opportunities and technologies that could position Grangemouth as a low carbon manufacturing hub, to replace the petrochemical refinery, which is closing next month. The EY-authored report commissioned by both UK and Scottish Governments, evaluated over 300 low-carbon technologies, and identified nine projects with the potential to protect the future of Grangemouth, including ABE biorefining, where Celtic Renewables is the recognised global leader. There has been considerable media coverage on the report, and with that increased profile and with support expected from both governments, work is underway on plans to develop a world-scale biorefinery in Grangemouth as part of Project Willow

Government Recognition  

Celtic Renewables welcomed two Scottish Ministerial visits to the Grangemouth biorefinery during Q1. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes toured the site in January, followed by a visit from First Minister John Swinney in March, coinciding with the release of the Project Willow Report. First Minister, John Swinney 
The First Minister visited Celtic Renewables’ site following the release of the Project Willow Report, which outlines key opportunities to establish Grangemouth as a low carbon industrial hub. During the visit, the First Minister toured the biorefinery, met with employees, and acknowledged Celtic Renewables' role in driving a major shift in Grangemouth’s future direction

Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes 
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes visited site to see Celtic Renewables' sustainable manufacturing first hand. Speaking at the visit, she said "Celtic Renewables is a great example of the talent, energy and commitment which will ensure Scotland plays an important global role in reaching net zero targets and demonstrating how the path to net zero is a means of creating wealth and prosperity for communities

Regular Shipments of Green Chemicals 

Since our last update on the first tanker release, we have continued to send regular shipments of our green chemicals to customers, in partnership with our distribution partner, Caldic. The photo to the right shows one of the latest tankers being filled last week, ready for shipment to Caldic in Chesterfield. Customer demand for the green chemicals continues to grow, with the focus now being on the next plants to meet this growing demand.

Leadership & Talent Development 

Celtic Renewables continues to invest in building a world-class team, including the launch of an apprenticeship programme this April. We are also strengthening our executive team, with Bettina Brierley joining as Chief Commercial Officer from Caldic, and Kerry Crawford stepping in as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Donal Fullerton.Bettina Brierley, Chief Commercial Officer
Bettina is a highly skilled executive with over 35 years of experience in the chemical industry, specialising in sales, business development, and key account management. With significant expertise in the industry, she is well positioned to bring Celtic Renewables’ green chemicals to the global market.Kerry Crawford, Chief Financial Officer 
Experienced CFO with over 30 years international experience leading finance, funding, corporate, investor relations and transformation activities. An EY-trained Chartered Accountant and Associate Member of Corporate Treasurers (AMCT), Kerry has used her extensive experience in dynamic, fast-growing companies in a variety of sectors.
 

Awards & Recognition

Celtic Renewables continues to gain recognition through a growing number of award applications and wins. Towards the end of last year, we received an award from the BBIA, followed by a win at the CEED Awards earlier this year for Remanufacturing. Most recently, we've been shortlisted for the UK Green Business Awards in two categories: Low Carbon Project of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. Message from CEO, Mark Simmers

Q1 has marked a strong start to the year for Celtic Renewables. We've maintained and improved steady-state commercial operations with regular shipments to customers, strengthened our leadership team, and received recognition at the highest levels. As we continue to scale, we remain committed to delivering long-term value through sustainable manufacturing. On behalf of the Celtic Renewables team, we thank you for your continued support and we look forward to continuing this positive trajectory over the rest of the year. Warm Regards, 
Celtic Renewables Team