ABB to support electric arc furnace project at Tata Steel UK’s Port Talbot plant

Tata Steel UK is investing over EUR 1.25 billion in its Wales plant. The project also includes EUR 500 million in UK government support aimed at energy transition and decarbonizing the steelworks’ operations. With this investment, the Port Talbot site will shift from steel production using blast furnaces to low-emission steel recycling and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 90%. Tata Steel UK aims to achieve fossil-free steel production by 2045 and reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.

To support these targets, ABB will be responsible for delivering electrical distribution equipment, including high- and low-voltage switchgear, power transformers, and distribution transformers connected via a plant-wide power distribution control system. This system will play a central role in plant power management and distribution through ABB’s digitally enabled solutions.

Under the main contract with Tenova, a provider of sustainable solutions for the green transformation of Tata Steel and the metals industry, ABB will supply ArcSave electromagnetic stirrer-based metallurgical technology. Known as Consteerrer, this equipment is a technology jointly developed by ABB and Tenova and specially designed for continuously charged EAFs. With more than 165 references worldwide, this system delivers a 5–7% increase in EAF efficiency, 3–5% reduction in energy consumption, and 1% additional yield.

ABB’s technologies will be fully operational at Port Talbot by 2027. Construction work for Tata Steel UK’s EAF project will begin this year. Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, stated, “ABB’s technologies will positively impact the transformation at Port Talbot Steelworks. Their proven solutions and expertise will support our production processes on site, providing long-term resource and cost efficiency.”

Frederik Esterhuizen, global head of metals at ABB Process Industries, emphasized, “We have a longstanding relationship with Tata Steel and Tenova, and together we can shape operations that enhance safe and sustainable steel production. Our goal is to work with all suppliers involved in the project to ensure commissioning schedules are met and to carry the region’s steelmaking legacy into the future.”