Summary
Port Talbot is undergoing a transformation a year after Tata Steel stopped its blast furnace operations due to financial losses. The site is being prepared for a new electric arc furnace, which is planned to be operational by the end of 2027. This change involves a major construction project and aims to bring more sustainable steel production to the area.
Key Facts
- Tata Steel ended its blast furnace operations in Port Talbot a year ago, citing a daily loss of £1 million.
- The new project involves constructing a £1.25 billion electric arc furnace (EAF) to replace the old blast furnaces.
- Around 400,000 tonnes of material has been cleared from the site to make way for the new construction.
- Up to 1,200 workers will be involved in building the new EAF, which will use scrap steel.
- The EAF aims to be operational by the end of 2027 and will use a cleaner method of steelmaking.
- Local businesses and contractors are participating in the site preparation and construction work.
- The project includes repurposing existing buildings and constructing new ones, as well as modifying site infrastructure like access roads for trucks.
