Port Talbot recently welcomed Jon Bolton, Co-Chair of the Steel Council, as part of his nationwide consultation to shape a new strategy for the UK steel industry.
With the government's commitment of £2.5 billion towards the Clean Steel Fund, the visit was a crucial step in understanding how investment can best support a greener, more resilient future for steel manufacturing.
Decarbonising Steel Production
During his visit, Jon Bolton highlighted the importance of Tata Steel UK's plans to install a 3 million tonne-per-year electric arc furnaces (EAF) at Port Talbot, calling them "a major step forward in terms of decarbonising the steel industry." The shift to EAF technology is expected to reduce the site's carbon emissions by 90% while improving the UK's sovereignty by utilising UK-sourced scrap instead of importing ores from around the world.
"Through this study, we will assess UK steel demand and identify any gaps in domestic production capacity."
"Just understanding what the plans are for installation, commissioning, and production is essential," said Jon. "Through this study, we will assess UK steel demand and identify any gaps in domestic production capacity."
The UK Steel Strategy: A Roadmap for Growth
The Steel Council, formed by the government, is working towards a long-term strategy to ensure the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of the UK steel industry. Jon emphasised that the Council's recommendations will directly influence the allocation of the £2.5 billion Clean Steel Fund.
"We are putting together a business plan that ensures the best use of this funding,"
"We are putting together a business plan that ensures the best use of this funding," he explained. "It must deliver returns not only economically but also in environmental and social terms."
Fast-Tracking the Future
The Steel Council is moving swiftly, having already issued a Green Paper for consultation just seven days after its first meeting in January. Stakeholders across the industry are encouraged to participate, with the final strategy expected to be delivered by spring.
To stay updated on Tata Steel UK's progress towards a sustainable steel future, visit www.greensteelfuture.com
Jon Bolton with Liam Way at the site of Tata Stee's planned Electric Arc Furnace in Port Talbot
Read all about Tata Steel UK's key policy asks of government here: https://www.tatasteeluk.com/corporate/news/a-strong-steel-industry-what-do-we-need
About Tata Steel UK
- The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes.
- Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
- In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased ironmaking at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steelmaking pending the construction of a 3.2Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace, due to be commissioned late in 2027 / early 2028. For that period, the business will import slab and hot rolled coil to support manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and UAE. It also benefits from a network of sales offices around the world.
- Throughout 2024 Tata Steel UK has been undergoing a restructuring that will reduce the size of its workforce to around 5000 direct employees, supplying high-quality steel products to demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering.
- Tata Steel Group is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
- The group recorded a consolidated turnover of around US$27.7 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2024.
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