Tata Steel UK: Plans approved for Electric Arc Furnace in Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Planning Committee has approved Tata Steel UK’s proposal to construct a new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking facility in Port Talbot. The project represents a significant step in the company’s transition towards more sustainable steel production.

Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, described the approval as a major milestone for the project. “We are pleased to have secured permission to build a sustainable steelmaking facility in Port Talbot. In the face of a challenging global market, this approval allows us to move forward with large-scale site preparations this summer, with the Electric Arc Furnace expected to be operational by the end of 2027.”

The £1.25 billion investment, which includes £500 million in funding from the UK Government, is expected to preserve 5,000 jobs at Tata Steel UK and significantly reduce on-site carbon emissions. The new facility is designed to cut CO2 emissions by 90% compared to traditional blast furnace-based steel production, equating to 1.5% of the UK’s total direct emissions.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the approval, calling it a crucial step for the future of steel production in South Wales. “This decision provides security for Port Talbot’s transition to green steel and reinforces the long-term viability of Welsh steelmaking,” he stated.

The planning application covered the construction of an Electric Arc Furnace, two new Ladle Metallurgy Furnaces for secondary steelmaking, and associated infrastructure. The EAF process primarily uses electricity to melt scrap steel, which is readily available in the UK, eliminating the need for imported iron ore and coal. This transition follows the closure of the site’s ageing iron and steelmaking assets last year, including the harbour, coke ovens, sinter plant, and blast furnaces.

Tata Steel has been advancing its green steelmaking strategy, securing key partnerships and contracts. In December, the company signed an agreement with JCB for the supply of green steel, and in January, appointed Sir Robert McAlpine as the project’s main works contractor. Additionally, last October, Tata Steel selected Tenova, a global metals technology company, to supply the new furnace.

With planning approval secured, Tata Steel is set to commence major construction work later this year, marking a significant step in the UK’s shift towards low-carbon steel production.

Source and Photo: Tata Steel UK