The construction of Diageo Scotland's £65m bioenergy plant will help create a greener Scotland, provide a boost to our renewables sector and create up to 20 new long-term jobs, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.

The First Minister officially marked the start of building works on the pioneering renewables project at Diageo Scotland's Cameronbridge Distillery in Fife, which will also support 100 construction jobs over a three year period.

The new facility will generate renewable energy from spent wash - a mixture of wheat, malted barley, yeast and water - produced during distillation to replace 95 per cent of its fossil fuel usage with green energy.

Diageo is building the plant in partnership with energy management company Dalkia.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:"Diageo's innovative bioenergy facility adds to the momentum building in Scotland in terms of leading the way in clean, green energy.

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"The benefits to Scotland's environment are quite staggering with the reduction in annual CO2 emissions estimated to be 56,000 tonnes - the equivalent of taking 44,000 family cars off the road. "

The FM said the investment signals Diageo's commitment to Scotland's environment and the Scottish economy with the creation of up to 20 long-term jobs and support for 100 construction jobs over the next three years.

"These jobs are in addition to the 100 strong workforce at Cameronbridge which is excellent news, not just for Fife and the surrounding areas, but for all of Scotland. I am delighted to welcome Diageo's latest investment in Scotland and of course its supply of cleaner, greener energy secures a prosperous and sustainable future for the company in Scotland," he said.

Bryan Donaghey, Managing Director, Diageo Scotland, thanked the Diageo team behind the project for their innovation and commitment.

"Three years of work has gone into the research and preparation behind this facility and, with construction now underway, it is incredibly rewarding for the project team here at Cameronbridge to see their careful planning start to become a reality.

"We are immensely proud of this project which will create a showcase bioenergy facility and is, without question, the right way forward in terms of our environmental ambitions," said Mr Donaghey.

(GK/JM)