MSPs urged to ‘fight for Scotland’ to keep Grangemouth oil refinery working and save jobs

MSPs urged to ‘fight for Scotland’ to keep Grangemouth oil refinery working and save jobs – Daily Record

MSPs have been called upon to take a stand and advocate for the continued operation of the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland, in a bid to preserve over 400 skilled jobs at the facility. Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, is set to lead a rally to the Scottish Parliament this week in an effort to prevent the imminent closure of Scotland’s last oil refinery. In an exclusive interview with the Record, Graham expressed disappointment at the lack of vocal support from politicians at Holyrood and Westminster in regard to the future of the refinery.

Graham is pushing for the conversion of Grangemouth into a production site for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), highlighting the growing global demand for such fuel and its potential to sustain the site in the long term. Despite plans by Petroineos, the refinery’s owner, to cease refining operations next spring and transform the site into an import depot, Unite argues that transitioning to SAF production could secure a viable economic future for Grangemouth.

Criticism was aimed at politicians who have seemingly accepted Petroineos’ closure plans without exploring alternative options. Graham emphasised the importance of challenging the status quo and supporting Unite’s proposal to halt the closure and focus on maintaining the refinery’s operations. Stressing the significance of retaining the facility and its workforce, Graham urged MSPs to prioritise Scotland’s interests and endorse the Unite plan.

Unite envisions a seamless transition for the refinery to produce SAF using feedstocks like cooking oil, a move that could be achieved within one to three years without job losses, according to the union. Drawing parallels to refiners worldwide that have successfully shifted to renewable feedstocks, Graham underscored the need for a comprehensive review to showcase Grangemouth’s potential for green technologies. She urged Scottish authorities to challenge the prevailing narrative of inevitability surrounding the refinery’s closure and explore opportunities for sustainable growth.

In conclusion, the push to preserve jobs at the Grangemouth oil refinery reflects a broader imperative to balance economic viability with environmental sustainability. By championing the transition to SAF production, stakeholders can not only safeguard skilled employment but also contribute to Scotland’s green energy ambitions. It is vital for policymakers to engage in proactive dialogue with unions and industry partners to explore innovative solutions that align with Scotland’s green energy transition goals.