Motherwell-based biodiesel firm, Argent Energy, has been named the best new business in Scotland in the prestigious Green Energy Awards 2006 for its commitment to renewable energy in Scotland.

The Green Energy Awards 2006, organised by Scottish Renewables, the forum for Scotland’s renewable energy industry, and sponsored by npower renewables, are designed to highlight the achievements of those organisations and individuals leading the way in the field of green energy. 

Argent Energy operates the UK’s first large scale biodiesel plant and the biggest of its type in Europe. It began trading in 2005 and is now capable of producing 50 million litres of biodiesel a year, displacing 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This pioneering project produces biodiesel by recycling by-products from other industries. Specifically, tallow, a by-product of the meat industry, and used cooking oil are used to produce biodiesel which meets the European Standard for biodiesel, EN 14214.

Jim Walker, vice chairman of Argent Energy, said: “Argent Energy is delighted to have won this award.

“It rounds off an exciting year which has seen Argent expand our successful commercial partnership with refining, storage and distribution major, Petroplus. In early 2006 Argent Energy signed a contract with Petroplus to supply 41.5 million litres of quality biodiesel in 2006 – quadrupling the output supplied to them in 2005. The biodiesel is blended with 95 per cent mineral diesel and marketed under the Petroplus “Bio-plus” brand to the UK commercial diesel market and to selected filling stations.

“We have also seen the UK market potential for biodiesel given a boost by the announcement of a Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to be introduced in 2008.  This will require 2.5 per cent of road fuels to come from renewable sources, with the percentage rising to 3.75 per cent in 2009 and 5 per cent in 2010.

As the flow of biodiesel continues to build it means that more ordinary people can contribute to the fight against climate change simply by the choice they make at the pump.” 

The Awards celebrate the lead role of Scotland in delivering a renewables future for the UK and overseas.

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Further information:

For more information about the awards contact: 

Grant Thoms at Scottish Renewables on 0141 222 7924 or 07980 223 938

and see www.scottishrenewables.com

For more information about Argent Energy contact:

Maria Limonci, Maria Limonci Public Relations, on 0131 332 6226.