Electricity connection agreed for Port Talbot’s greener future

Tata Steel has achieved a major milestone in its transformation of the Port Talbot steelworks after signing a connection offer with the Electricity System Operator (ESO). The agreement involves National Grid building new electrical infrastructure capable of powering the 3.2 million-tonne electric arc furnace by the end of 2027.

Rajesh Nair, Tata Steel UK’s CEO, said: “I am delighted we have signed this connection agreement with the ESO. This is a critical milestone in transforming our steelmaking operations in Port Talbot. This will help us replace our ageing and carbon-intensive blast furnaces with a ‘state of the art’ electric arc furnace capable of producing our customers’ most demanding steel products. This agreement means we will have sufficient power for our new electric arc furnace and the capability in the longer-term to further strengthen our business.”

Industry Minister Alan Mak said: “This is another positive step towards securing the future of steelmaking in South Wales and the UK, and I am pleased to see Tata Steel reach this milestone. Our support for the steel industry is unwavering, and our historic investment alongside our grid capabilities means we can look ahead to cleaner, greener steel production in years to come.

“Accelerating grid connection timescales is a top priority for Government and we are working closely with Ofgem and the network companies to transform the electricity network at a scale and pace not seen for decades.”

Mr Mair concluded: “Having access to higher-power electricity is a foundation stone for greener steelmaking, regardless of the technology choice. That is why we have been working closely with the ESO and National Grid for a number of years on how to strengthen our power infrastructure. This agreement means we will have sufficient power for our new electric arc furnace and the capability in the longer-term to further strengthen our business.”