The contract forms part of Tata Steel’s £1.25 billion investment in sustainable steelmaking, which includes the construction of a new 320-tonne capacity Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) to be commissioned in 2027/8. 

ABB will supply high- and low-voltage switchgear, power and distribution transformers, and digital control systems to make the steel plant safer, more energy-efficient, and digitally advanced.

The transformation of the pioneering Port Talbot site, backed by £500 million in UK Government support, will cut the CO₂ emitted from the steelworks by almost 90% – equivalent to 1.5% of the UK’s total direct emissions.

As part of the deal, ABB will also supply its ArcSave® electro-magnetic stirring system – known as Consteerrer® – under a wider contract with technology partner Tenova. This state-of-the-art system will boost EAF furnace productivity and efficiency while reducing energy use, supporting faster and cleaner steelmaking, and has already been used successfully in more than 165 plants worldwide.

The commissioning of ABB’s technologies is scheduled for 2027 to align with full operational startup of the EAF at Port Talbot in 2028.  

This contract builds on Tata Steel’s existing partnership with ABB to deliver automation and electrification for the site’s new pickling line – a key component in steel processing and a key part of the transformation programme.

The project is set to secure thousands of skilled jobs, support UK supply chains, and help secure a modern, sustainable future for Welsh steel.

Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel, said: 

“We’re looking forward to ABB helping us to positively impact the transformation at Port Talbot Steelworks, a site undergoing critical change for the future of UK steelmaking. 

"Their proven technologies and expertise will support our evolving production processes on site, enabling resource and cost efficiencies for the long-term. We’re looking forward to driving this project forward.”

Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager for Metals at ABB Process Industries said:

 “Our team has an established relationship with Tata Steel and Tenova and we know that together we can shape operations to benefit how low CO2 steel is made, safely and sustainably. 

Our aim is to work with our customer and the various suppliers involved in the project to ensure the timelines for commissioning are met and that the region can continue its rich heritage in steelmaking into the future.”