Argent Energy Limited
"RSA played a key role in helping establish the world's first biodiesel plant of its type in Scotland" Andy Hunter, Joint Managing Director
Argent Energy was established in 2001 to investigate and develop innovative methods for adding value to animal by-products. In December 2003, we offered RSA of £1.2m to assist with the building of a specialised plant to produce biodiesel from a variety of raw materials including used cooking oil and animal fats; material previously considered waste. Biodiesel is a renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel source and is seen as an alternative or addition to regular diesel. The new plant is able to produce almost 50 million litres of diesel annually and is expected to meet 5% of Scotland's diesel needs.
We provided assistance towards project costs of £8.3m out of a total investment of £15m. Full production commenced in May 2005. The demand for the product has been high, with sales now equalling production. We expected the project to create 16 new jobs and safeguard a further 67 and ultimately the project created 40 jobs.
Smarter Scotland 
Scottish Enterprise 