Tata Steel has launched a major research partnership with leading UK academic institutions to accelerate the development of low-CO2 steel technologies, aiming to place the UK at the forefront of sustainable steelmaking in the global market.
The collaborative initiative is focused on innovations in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, the further development of scrap-intensive steel products, and improving the capabilities of the UK recycled-steel supply chain—all key to building a circular low-carbon economy.
To support this, Tata Steel is working with Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, Henry Royce Institute, and Swansea University.
The landmark first meeting of this consortium was held in March at Imperial College London, led by Mr. Subodh Pandey, Tata Steel’s Vice President RD&T, New Materials Business and Graphene, and chaired by Prof. Howard Stone, Tata Steel Professor of Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. The meeting laid the groundwork for a strategic roadmap to position Tata Steel as a world leader in low-CO2 steelmaking.
“Low-CO2 steelmaking and the further development of customer-focused products at Tata Steel will benefit greatly from leveraging the technical expertise of our UK academic partners,” said Mr Pandey.
“This meeting is the first of its kind to bring relevant academic stakeholders onto a single platform and communicate our needs, expectations and aspirations.”
The initiative aligns with the forthcoming UK Government’s Steel Strategy, targeting the revitalisation of the domestic steel industry, development of manufacturing supply chains, and supporting national economic growth.
Tata Steel has already invested in building capability through two new Centres for Innovation:
• Centre for Sustainable Design and Manufacturing at Imperial College London
• Centre for Advanced Materials at the Henry Royce Institute
These centres are developing solutions to critical technological challenges around EAF steelmaking, digitalisation, alloy design, and decarbonisation.
“This is a truly ground-breaking initiative,” said Prof. Dan Balint, Director of the Tata Steel Centre for Innovation at Imperial. “For the first time, leading UK academics are united with Tata Steel for a common purpose—transforming UK steelmaking, supporting the environment, and driving economic prosperity.”
Prof. Howard Stone added: “Our collaboration will unlock new understanding of EAF steels and enable rapid development of competitive, sustainable products using AI and alloy prototyping—essential for future cars, cans, smart buildings and infrastructure.”
Jacqui Murray, Director South Wales for WMG High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, commented: “The UK has a long-standing heritage in steel research. Working together, we can build from that foundation and accelerate the future of this foundation industry.”
Dr. Ania Jolly, Head of Research and Business Engagement from the Henry Royce Institute said: “Royce is delighted to support Tata Steel’s mission through research in metallurgical innovation, decarbonisation, and digitalisation. This partnership confirms the UK’s potential to lead the global steel industry in quality and sustainability.”
Prof. Helen Griffiths, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Swansea University, concluded: “As Tata Steel’s long-term partner and neighbour, we are uniquely placed to unlock innovation in steel applications for construction and clean energy—delivering economic and environmental benefits locally and globally.”
The partners are now prioritising critical research areas to ensure technologies are ready for implementation ahead of the commissioning of one of the world’s largest EAFs at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot site in 2027/28. The initiative is a cornerstone of the UK’s vision for a low-carbon, high-tech industrial future.
About Tata Steel UK
- The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes.
Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030. - In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased ironmaking at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steelmaking pending the construction of a 3.2Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace, due to be commissioned late in 2027 / early 2028. For that period, the business will import slab and hot rolled coil to support manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and UAE. It also benefits from a network of sales offices around the world.
- Throughout 2024 Tata Steel UK has been undergoing a restructuring that will reduce the size of its workforce to around 5000 direct employees, supplying high-quality steel products to demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering.
- Tata Steel Group is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
- The group recorded a consolidated turnover of around US$26 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2025.
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