Tata Steel has confirmed that its new £1.25 billion electric arc furnace in Port Talbot has been delayed due to an electrical fault. Sources close to the project say the fault was discovered during routine testing last week, and repairs could take months.
The furnace, part of a wider decarbonisation plan, was meant to replace two blast furnaces and secure thousands of jobs. Now, with the delay, workers face extended uncertainty. Uncovered internal documents reveal that Tata had flagged electrical issues as a 'moderate risk' but failed to secure backup suppliers.
Critics argue the company rushed the transition, leaving the plant vulnerable. A Tata spokesperson said, 'We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.' But for workers already reeling from previous job cuts, this is another blow.
The government, which pledged £500 million in support, is now under pressure to explain how it will protect the workforce. The delay raises serious questions about the viability of Britain's green steel ambitions.
