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Celtic Renewables: A Low-Carbon Solution for the Future of Grangemouth
Celtic Renewables, leader in ABE fermentation
At Celtic Renewables, our proven technology has re-established the traditional Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation process—originally developed over a century ago—and brought it to industrial scale. It’s a pivotal step towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and a key milestone toward a low-carbon economy.
A Brief History of ABE Fermentation
The ABE fermentation process was first pioneered in the UK by Chaim Weizmann in the lead-up to the First World War. It became one of the largest biological industries in the world, producing solvents, acetone, butanol, and ethanol for decades. However, by the 1950s, the technology faded into the background, unable to compete with the petrochemical industry due to the cost of crop-based feedstocks.
ABE Timeline
Celtic Renewables: Re-establishing ABE for the 21st Century
At Celtic Renewables, we have brought this process back to the 21st century, by converting by-products and waste from various industries, such as food, drink and agriculture, into bio acetone, bio butanol and bio ethanol. Providing industries like pharmaceuticals, personal care and specialty chemicals with sustainable alternatives to fossil-based chemicals.
The ABE fermentation process defossilises chemical production, adds value to industrial by-products and waste, and reduces the carbon footprint of everyday products, contributing to the transition to a net zero, nature positive world.
The by-products and waste inputs used in the process are:
• Whisky production by-products from the drinks industry
• Reject potatoes from agriculture
• Molasses from the food industry
We’re now in full production, shipping green chemicals to customers around the world.
Project Willow: ABE Biorefining
Our process has been recognised as a key technology in the recently published Project Willow report, which highlights ABE biorefining as one of just nine credible options to secure the long-term future of Grangemouth. At a pivotal moment for the area, Celtic Renewables offers exactly what is needed, an established, low-carbon solution through the ABE process that supports both the region’s future and the overall global shift toward sustainability.
From a field of over 300 low carbon technologies assessed, ABE biorefining was identified as one of the most viable pathways for driving industrial transformation in Grangemouth. We are proud to be one of the only companies globally producing bio acetone, bio butanol, and bio ethanol at full industrial scale using the ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) fermentation process.
Why Green Chemicals Matter
The green chemicals produced from Celtic Renewables’ patented process are chemically equivalent and have the same application uses as traditional acetone, butanol, and ethanol but offer up to 60% fewer carbon emissions than their fossil-based counterparts. Another primary advantage of using by-product and waste materials is that they do not add extra fossil carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the atmosphere when they are used or disposed of. Example uses:
Bio acetone: Inks & IPA in printing process, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceutical processes
Bio butanol: Adhesives and paints, cosmetics, biofuels, food ingredients
Bio ethanol: Surface cleaner, perfume, cleaning detergents
These green chemicals are biodegradable, don’t deplete the ozone layer, and contain 100% biobased carbon.
A Just Transition in Action
On the day the report was launched, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney visited our Grangemouth facility.
Our CEO, Mark Simmers, called it a “landmark moment”:
“There are many reasons why we chose Grangemouth as the site for our manufacturing plant including access to utilities, available land, and workers with great skills that can transition into what we do.
We have an immediate opportunity to scale this process here in Grangemouth creating economic growth and new employment.”
From Linear to Circular: Revolutionising the chemical industry
The current global economy operates largely on a linear model: extract, produce, consume, and discard. Celtic Renewables is a leading example of a circular model, using 100% bio-based materials to produce green chemicals with a reduced carbon footprint, with no resulting waste.
This is a solution that allows industries like pharmaceuticals and personal care to align with their net zero goals, by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions. While also providing efficient and sustainable treatment solutions for companies with industrial by-products and waste.
With Project Willow proposing ABE fermentation as a suitable pathway to transform Grangemouth into a low-carbon hub, we stand ready to unlock new investment, scale our operations, and lead the way toward a more sustainable world.