UK government pledges £9 MM for new development projects at Mossmorran ethylene plant in Fife
The UK government has pledged £9 MM to support new development projects at the former Mossmorran ethylene plant in Fife, following its closure after more than 40 yrs of operation. The funding is conditional on viable proposals and suitable commercial partners coming forward, as authorities seek to secure a long-term future for the site and reduce the economic impact on the local community.
The plant, owned by ExxonMobil, ceased production after reportedly losing £1 MM/wk, putting around 400 jobs at risk. Decommissioning is expected to continue through 2028 and will not affect nearby facilities.
Both the UK and Scottish governments are coordinating efforts to support affected workers. The UK government has arranged guaranteed job interviews at the Grangemouth plant, while the Scottish government has committed £9 MM over three years to community support initiatives. This includes a £1.3 MM fund for training programs at Fife College, focusing on engineering, project management, and health and safety, aimed at helping around 350 workers transition to new roles.
Officials emphasized the importance of preserving the workforce’s skills and ensuring the site remains economically viable. However, some political voices have called for stronger guarantees that local communities and displaced workers will play a central role in any redevelopment plans, warning that support measures must be timely and substantial to be effective.
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