Sera Evans MS, Alun Cox MS and Elyn Stephens MS, Members of the Senedd for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, recently visited Tata Steel UK's Port Talbot Electric Arc Furnace project to see the progress being made.
Members of the Senedd visit Port Talbot Electric Arc Furnace project
Sera Evans MS, Alun Cox MS and Elyn Stephens MS, Members of the Senedd for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, recently visited Tata Steel UK's Port Talbot Electric Arc Furnace site to see first-hand the progress being made on one of the UK's largest industrial transformation projects.
During the visit, they toured the site and heard more about the transformation underway as Tata Steel UK prepares for the future of sustainable steelmaking at Port Talbot.
Reflecting on the visit, Sera Evans MS said:
Alun Cox MS added:
Elyn Stephens MS also highlighted the importance of collaboration to support the project.
Supporting the transition
The visit also highlighted the role the new Electric Arc Furnace will play in Tata Steel UK's transition to lower-carbon steelmaking and in securing the future of steel production at Port Talbot.
Sera Evans MS described the project as an important step in delivering a just transition for the industry and reaffirming the long-term commitment to steelmaking in South Wales. Elyn Stephens MS also spoke about the opportunities the project presents, highlighting the significance of the green transition and the positive impact it will have on the future of the site.
Looking ahead
The Members of the Senedd welcomed the progress being made across the site and recognised the importance of the project to the local community and the wider Welsh economy.
Alun Cox MS emphasised that the development will continue to play a vital role in supporting the Welsh economy, while Sera Evans MS said she had been reassured by the progress being made and the benefits the project will bring to Port Talbot and beyond. She also thanked the workforce for their dedication and recognised the significant contribution they are making to one of the UK's largest industrial transformation projects.
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$27.3 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2026.
- Tata Steel has long played a key role in enabling the UK economy to become more circular. Its products are highly durable, reusable and recyclable, It applies a sustainability assessment tool during its new product development process to measure the sustainability credentials of its new offerings.
- More information about the crucial role that Tata Steel UK already plays in driving the UK to a more circular economy, and its plans to play an even greater role, can be found in its recently-published Sustainability Report covering 2023-2025.