Ceremony to mark start of arc furnace

PORT Talbot's steelworks will mark the beginning of its move towards green steel production today.

- DAVID LYNCH Press Association Reporter

Ministers will join Tata Steel chiefs at the South Wales steel plant for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the new electric arc furnace’s construction.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Steel and the Tata Group, described the moment as an “important day for Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK".

He added: “At Port Talbot, we are building the foundations of a cleaner, greener future, supporting jobs, driving innovation and demonstrating our commitment to responsible industry leadership.”

The UK Government has backed plans for the new £1.25 billion electric arc furnace at the Tata steelworks with a £500 million investment.

The switch-on is due to take place in 2027 as part of the push towards greener production.

Tata insists the move will cut Port Talbot's emissions by 90%, while ensuring the future of steel production in the town.