Tata Steel Halts Operations at UK’s Port Talbot, Plans Greener Future with £1.25 Billion Investment

Tata Steel has officially stopped its steel-making operations at Port Talbot in the UK, effective Wednesday. This decision follows the shutdown of the last blast furnace, sinter plant, and some secondary steel-making and energy systems. Earlier this year, the company had already closed another blast furnace and coke ovens, as these facilities were no longer economically or environmentally sustainable.

Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, acknowledged that Port Talbot has been a pioneer in introducing new industrial processes and technologies to improve steel output. He emphasized the company’s commitment to a “brighter, greener future” with a planned investment of £1.25 billion in low CO2 scrap-based steelmaking. This transition is expected to sustain over 5,000 jobs across the UK and provide Tata Steel with a competitive edge in the market.

As part of this shift, Tata Steel is constructing an electric arc furnace (EAF) in the UK, with the government providing a grant of £500 million. However, around 2,800 jobs will be cut due to this transition, but the company is offering affected employees a support package and retraining programs.

Tata Steel plans to resume steel production in the region by 2027 or 2028, focusing on using scrap steel. The company will soon place orders for necessary equipment, with the EAF expected to be operational within three years.