Tata Steel has reached a significant milestone by signing a contract with a leading metals technology manufacturer to deliver a cutting-edge electric arc furnace and additional advanced steelmaking equipment to its largest UK site. In a move towards producing greener steel, Tata Steel has partnered with Tenova to introduce the electric arc furnace (EAF) at its Port Talbot plant in South Wales. This transition comes after the closure of traditional blast furnaces, resulting in the loss of numerous jobs in the industry.
Upon its completion by the end of 2027, the electric arc furnace is projected to slash the site’s steelmaking carbon emissions by a staggering 90%, which is equivalent to reducing five million tonnes of CO2 annually. Tenova will provide Tata Steel with an EAF capable of producing three million tonnes of steel per year, matching the output of the site’s previous blast furnaces. This steel will be created by melting scrap steel sourced within the UK.
T V Narendran, the chief executive of Tata Steel, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This landmark agreement will enable us to transform our steelmaking site to not only support the UK’s decarbonisation journey but also provide economic development opportunities for South Wales.” Additionally, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the importance of technological advancements like the electric arc furnace in decarbonising the steel industry and creating a sustainable future for steelworkers in South Wales.
Paolo Argenta, the executive vice president for the Tenova Upstream Business Unit, expressed confidence in the collaboration, citing an unprecedented level of transparency and cooperation between the companies. This partnership is a crucial step towards achieving low-CO2 steelmaking in Port Talbot, reducing the UK’s carbon footprint, and aiding customers in reaching their carbon reduction goals.
With the upcoming steel strategy promising additional support for the sector, including up to £2.5 billion in funding, the future looks bright for UK steelmaking. The commitment to technological innovation and sustainability showcased in this collaboration signifies a positive outlook for the industry.