Government sets out Port Talbot steelworks deal: comment

Commenting on a new deal for Port Talbot steelworks set out by the Government today [1] Dr Simon Cran-McGreehin, Head of Analysis at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: “The news that Tata Steel was to close both blast furnaces at its Port Talbot works was a devastating blow to workers at the plant, not least as a better planned transition to future-proof technologies, including hydrogen, could have saved many jobs. The confirmation of the Government support package will provide some comfort to workers and the community, and the commitment agreed with Tata to look at future investments is positive.

“However, with an announcement from British Steel about the future of the Scunthorpe plant also expected soon, it’s clear that the future of British steelmaking still hangs in the balance. Over recent years the UK has been falling behind Europe in the development of green steel manufacturing, with a number of hydrogen-based green steel plants moving ahead across the continent. The big test for the new Government will be whether it is able with its planned Steel Strategy to develop a long-term, strategic plan for the industry."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Government puts workers at the heart of new and improved Port Talbot deal: https://www.gov.uk/government/...

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: +44 (0)7894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net