Tata Steel has awarded ABB contracts to supply power distribution and electromagnetic stirring technologies for its upcoming electric arc furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot steelworks in the UK. The new 320-ton EAF is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.
The investment is part of Tata Steel’s decarbonization plan for the Welsh plant. The site is transitioning to low-emission steel recycling, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by up to 90pct. Tata Steel UK targets a 30pct emissions reduction by 2030 and aims to produce fossil-free steel by 2045.
As part of the project, ABB will deliver high- and low-voltage switchgear, power and distribution transformers, and a digital power distribution control system. These systems will support efficient, safe, and optimized energy management across the facility.
ABB will also provide its ArcSave electromagnetic stirring technology, Consteerrer, developed jointly with Tenova under an exclusive global partnership. Tailored for continuous charging EAFs, this technology improves furnace productivity by 5-7pct, cuts energy use by 3-5pct, and increases yield by about 1pct.
Commissioning of ABB’s systems is expected in 2027, ahead of the full operational launch of the new EAF. Construction at the Port Talbot site is set to begin this year, marking a major milestone in Tata Steel’s transition to greener steelmaking.
