UK-based steelmaker Corus, the European subsidiary of the Indian steel giant Tata Steel, announced on May 12 that it has launched its new facility which will allow the reduction of CO2 emissions at its Port Talbot steelworks in Wales. The new facility has been completed with a £60 million investment.
Speaking at the launch, First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said, "This project is all about protecting the environment, but moreover it represents a massive boost to the Welsh economy and a real vote of confidence by Tata in steelmaking in Wales."
The new facility will complement Wales' commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by three percent annually. The project recovers gas from the basic oxygen steelmaking plant and reuses it elsewhere in the steelworks. The facility is also expected to reduce the emission of dust (known as PM10s), as well as to halve the Port Talbot works' external requirement for natural gas.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Tata Steel Europe's CEO Kirby Adams said, "The economic recovery is fragile and times are uncertain. But we have a long-term vision for sustainable steelmaking in Wales. Through this and other key investments, we have shown our commitment to growing our business in Wales. The government can help create a business and regulatory environment in which further investment becomes even more attractive."
The steelworks business at Port Talbot directly employs some 5,000 people, but including the economic community of contractors, suppliers and other partners Corus employs over 7,000 people in Wales in total.