Work gets under way on Tata electric arc furnace

THE start of work on a new state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) at Tata Steel’s site in Port Talbot means the area can look to the future with optimism, say the leader of the council.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Neath Port Talbot council leader Steve Hunt was among the dignitaries yesterday as Port Talbot's steelworks marked the beginning of its move towards green steel production with a groundbreaking ceremony.

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

The plant's last blast furnace was shut down in September 2024, with 2,500 workers to lose their jobs in the aftermath.

Cllr Hunt said: “This is start of a new era for a town which has been shaped by steelmaking and now looks to take its place at the forefront of a greener steel industry.