ABB has been awarded key contracts to deliver electrical distribution systems and advanced electromagnetic stirring solutions for Tata Steel’s upcoming Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) facility at its Port Talbot site in Wales, UK. This critical infrastructure will support Tata Steel’s planned shift to low-emission steel production, with the EAF scheduled to begin operations in 2028.
Tata Steel is investing over £1.25 billion in modernizing the site, supported by £500 million in funding from the UK Government. This transition marks a pivotal move toward recycled steel production, aiming to cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90%. The company has also committed to achieving net-zero steelmaking in the UK by 2045, with a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030.
ABB’s scope of work includes the supply of high- and low-voltage switchgear, power and distribution transformers, and a comprehensive power management control system. These systems will create a digitally connected infrastructure to ensure energy-efficient and safe operations across the plant.
In partnership with Tenova, ABB will also provide its ArcSave® electromagnetic stirring system, branded as Consteerrer®, for use in the EAF. This specialized equipment, designed for continuous charging EAFs, improves process efficiency—boosting productivity by 5–7%, lowering energy consumption by 3–5%, and increasing yield by approximately 1%.
Commissioning of ABB’s technologies is planned for 2027, in alignment with the full-scale launch of the EAF facility. Construction at Port Talbot will begin later this year, signifying a major milestone in the UK steel industry’s journey toward decarbonization.
Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, stated: “ABB’s technology will play a pivotal role in helping us modernize Port Talbot for a sustainable future in steelmaking. Their proven expertise in power and process systems supports our goal of achieving operational excellence with lower environmental impact.”
Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager for Metals at ABB, added: “We’re proud to contribute to the transformation of one of the UK’s key steel facilities. Our long-standing collaboration with Tata Steel and Tenova ensures we can meet the technical demands and deliver this project on schedule.”
ABB has long supported the global metals industry with complete electrification, automation, and digital solutions aimed at increasing quality, output, and energy efficiency. The company’s collaboration with Tata Steel spans multiple projects and geographies, focusing on reducing emissions, boosting circularity, and enhancing operational performance across the steel value chain.
Tata Steel is among the world’s most globally diversified steel companies, with manufacturing and commercial operations across multiple continents. ABB, with over 140 years of experience and a workforce of 110,000 employees, continues to drive sustainable transformation in key industries by combining engineering expertise with cutting-edge digital technologies.
