Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive of Ofgem, has praised Tata Steel UK’s transition to low-CO2 steelmaking during a visit to the company’s Port Talbot site.
Mr Brearley said: “Back in 2016 and 2023, most of the conversation was about electricity and gas prices and the pressure they put on the steel business. What’s inspiring today is seeing Tata Steel moving towards electric arc furnace-based steelmaking, and helping to deliver a green future.”
He stressed Ofgem’s role in enabling investment by ensuring industrial customers like Tata have the right conditions to transition, including fair energy pricing and strengthened grid connections.
On site, Mr Brearley toured areas already being prepared for large-scale construction and viewed virtual models of the new facilities.
“Everything we are doing is to make sure companies such as Tata Steel can get what they need from the energy system,” he added.
"That allows them to invest, support economic growth, and deliver on the UK’s net zero goals.”
Alison Meldrum, National Grid Programme Manager, Invictus, for Tata Steel UK added, “Without a new upgraded energy connection, there will be no low-CO2 steelmaking, so our collaborative work with National Grid over the coming few years, and the support of the regulator is absolutely critical.”
Mr Brearley concluded: “Not only is this good for the country in terms of steel, it’s fantastic for the local area and its people.”
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.
- Tata Steel is the largest steelmaker in the UK with primary steelmaking at Port Talbot in South Wales supporting manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France and Germany. It also benefits from a network of international sales offices around the world.
- Tata Steel employs more than 8,000 people and has an annual crude steel capacity of 5 million tonnes, 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.
Follow us on social media
Categories