Argent Energy, a biodiesel producer based in Europe, has initiated consultations regarding the potential cessation of production at its biodiesel plant in Motherwell, Scotland.
Despite the dedication and hard work of its team, external factors impacting the biodiesel market in the UK and EU have necessitated a strategic shift.
This decision, made after exhaustive exploration of alternative avenues, aims to refocus the company’s operations on its other more advantageous locations.
Efforts are being directed towards supporting all affected employees during this transition period.
Established in 2005, Argent’s Motherwell biodiesel plant initially produced 45,000 tonnes of waste-based biodiesel annually, with expansions in 2016.
Argent operates another plant in Ellesmere Port along the Manchester Ship Canal and a third strategically positioned in the Port of Amsterdam. Plans are underway to expand the capacity of the Dutch facility, with initial plans to triple its output.
CEO Louise Calviou expressed, “This decision has been incredibly difficult, and one we have deliberated extensively. However, considering prevailing market conditions and our strategic objectives for global decarbonization efforts, we believe it is a necessary step. We remain committed, along with our shareholders, to our ambitious growth plans, and our mission to reduce reliance on fossil fuels continues.”
The challenges faced by the biodiesel industry, particularly the intense competition from imported Chinese biodiesel supported by state subsidies, have significantly weakened the European and UK biodiesel market.
These challenges have impacted the sector as a whole, and Argent Energy is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the UK government to address these structural imbalances and restore stability to the sector, thus safeguarding the UK industry from further harm.
