UK funding clears the way for Forth Green Freeport as Scotland’s renewable energy hub

Sarah Murray, CEO of FGF / Credits: Forth Green Freeport28 noviembre 2025

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed today that the Forth Green Freeport (FGF) has received final UK Government approval of its Full Business Case (FBC), following the Scottish Government's approval in October. The green freeport, which targets growth in offshore wind, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, modular manufacturing and logistics, is now positioned to advance major renewable-energy-linked industrial projects across Central Scotland.

Approval of the FBC marks a crucial milestone in unlocking GBP25 million in seed capital funding to support the reindustrialisation of the Forth Green Freeport area. The investment is designed to attract new industry, accelerate regeneration and deliver substantial economic benefits for Scotland.

With today's decision, the FGF Chair, Dame Susan Rice DBE, the local authorities of Edinburgh, Fife and Falkirk, and both governments will now sign a Memorandum of Understanding to release the multimillion-pound funding.

Once released, the seed capital--which will be match-funded by project leads--will initiate the first projects identified to bring in inward investment across the FGF's target sectors. Over the next decade, the initiative aims to support large-scale economic regeneration and re-industrialisation across Central Scotland.

Commenting on the approval, Sarah Murray, CEO of FGF, said that "this is an important day for Forth Green Freeport as we successfully gain final government approval of our Full Business Case. The next step to fully activate the Forth Green Freeport is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to allow the release of the GBP25 million funding to kick start the initial projects.

Importantly, the seed capital will be match-funded by project leads. We look forward to signing this soon to begin delivery of this important long-term initiative benefiting Scotland and the rest of the UK."

FGF, chaired by Dame Susan Rice and operational since 12 June 2024, aims to attract new businesses and jobs through a package of tax and customs incentives. An economic impact assessment projects GBP7.9 billion in private and public investment over the next decade, boosting GVA by GBP8.1 billion.

The project is expected to create up to 34,500 skilled jobs, including around 16,000 direct roles within its target sectors and tax sites.

To deliver its long-term strategy, the Forth Green Freeport has appointed a specialised team focused on attracting investment while ensuring strong governance and compliance with the Freeport's Fair Work and Net Zero charters.