Contractor appointed for Port Talbot electric arc furnace

Tata Steel has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) as the main works contractor to support the company’s £1.25 billion investment in low CO₂ ‘green’ steelmaking at its Port Talbot steelworks.

SRM will be responsible for managing the main, civil, structural, and building works required for the construction of a new electric arc furnace-based steel production facility that will produce around 3 million tonnes of steel per year.

SRM Managing Director, Industrial, Craig Allen, said: “We are proud to be part of the decarbonisation of Port Talbot steelworks, which will play a pivotal role in turning the site into a world-leading hub for sustainable steel production.”

Peter Jones, EAF Project Lead, Tata Steel UK, added: “Our new arc furnace will be one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, so it is important that we work with highly skilled and experienced partners to ensure its success.

“We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of SRM to support us on this once-in-a-generation investment project.”

The Port Talbot electric arc furnace is expected to be up and running by 2028.