Greenergy is making big moves in Scotland. The UK-based energy supplier has struck a long-term deal to expand its operations at the Exolum terminal in Grangemouth — a move that promises to reinforce fuel supply across the region.
It’s not just about bigger tanks or more trucks. It’s a strategic push to shore up Scotland’s energy resilience and offer more choice in a landscape still adjusting to geopolitical shocks and tightening emissions rules.
A Quiet Giant in the Fuel Game
If you’ve never heard of Greenergy, that’s kind of the point. They don’t run filling stations or sell their name on flashy signs. But behind the scenes, they’re one of the UK’s biggest transport fuel suppliers — operating across Europe, the Americas, and even Brazil.
Grangemouth, Scotland’s only major oil refinery site, has always been a critical node in Greenergy’s distribution network. But until now, their footprint there was modest.
That’s changing. And fast.
The company confirmed this week it has signed a new long-term agreement with Exolum — the Spanish logistics group that runs the bulk liquid terminal at Grangemouth — to significantly increase its storage and throughput capacity.
Caroline Lumbard, Greenergy’s UK managing director, called the deal a “game-shifter for our Scottish supply chain.” Her actual quote was more reserved:
“We’re strengthening our supply infrastructure in Scotland and this long-term agreement creates additional capacity where it is needed.”
But insiders say this is about more than logistics. It’s positioning.
What the Deal Actually Means
The expanded capacity at Exolum’s Grangemouth terminal will give Greenergy a much firmer grip on the Scottish market. According to industry sources, the deal includes:
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Additional storage tanks, capable of holding multiple fuel grades
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Improved jetty access for incoming marine shipments
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New blending capabilities to handle biofuels and lower-carbon alternatives
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Increased rail and truck loading volumes
In practical terms, this will allow Greenergy to import, store, blend and distribute a wider range of fuels across the Scottish central belt and into the north.
One logistics analyst said, “This effectively gives them control of a major supply spine between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. That’s a big deal in fuel terms.”
Why Grangemouth Matters
You can’t really talk about energy in Scotland without talking about Grangemouth.
It’s not just a refinery. It’s the beating heart of the country’s petrochemical supply chain — home to the INEOS complex, a vital import/export port, and one of the few UK sites with integrated chemical processing, power generation and refined fuel handling.
Here’s a snapshot of Grangemouth’s strategic value:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Scotland, near Falkirk |
| Facilities | Refinery, bulk terminal, chemicals plant |
| Pipeline access | Links to Forties pipeline and UK grid |
| Employment | 2,000+ direct jobs, 10,000 indirect |
| Fuel coverage | Supplies most of Scotland and N. England |
By expanding its role here, Greenergy isn’t just gaining capacity — it’s embedding itself deeper into Scotland’s energy fabric.
Beyond Fossil Fuels?
Yes, this is mostly about diesel, petrol, and jet fuel. But Greenergy’s public messaging keeps pointing to “fuel choice” and “supply security,” which is a nudge toward biofuels and lower-carbon blends.
The company has already been active in the biofuel space, blending biodiesel at several terminals across the UK and selling E10 petrol. Some of that will now extend to Grangemouth.
One key paragraph from their press release hinted at more:
“Greenergy will leverage its global supply chains to further enhance supply security and choice of fuels to our customers in Scotland.”
That means bioethanol? Probably. HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil)? Could be. Even synthetic fuels or hydrogen-adjacent blends — though those are more speculative right now.
A transport sector source said: “What they’re doing is future-proofing their logistics. They want to be the ones supplying whatever fuel Scotland needs next — whether it’s diesel, ethanol, or something else entirely.”
What’s the Bigger Picture?
Let’s zoom out.
Greenergy’s expansion comes at a time when the UK fuel supply chain is still fragile. The 2021 fuel panic, Brexit-related import hitches, and red tape around sustainable fuel imports have all put pressure on logistics companies.
Add in decarbonisation targets and electric vehicle adoption, and it’s a mess.
For Scotland, things are even trickier. Remote regions, weather disruptions, ferry links — all these make fuel supply harder to maintain without local capacity. That’s why the Exolum terminal expansion matters more than it might at first glance.
Industry insiders point to a few likely outcomes from Greenergy’s move:
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More stable fuel prices in eastern and central Scotland
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Reduced reliance on single suppliers like Petroineos
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Greater flexibility for seasonal demand surges (especially in farming and aviation)
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Faster response during emergencies or transport disruptions
It’s also possible Greenergy will seek contracts with local authorities or bus operators as part of Scotland’s green public transport transition. One source hinted that “a few conversations are already underway.”
