en.Wedoany.com Reported - Tata Steel's £1.25 billion project to build a new electric arc furnace in Port Talbot, Wales, may face a six-to-eight-month delay in commissioning due to grid connection issues. The equipment, originally scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2027, is intended to replace traditional blast furnaces that were shut down two years ago as part of a plant upgrade, a move that led to approximately 2,000 job cuts.

Kaushik Chatterjee, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Tata Steel, revealed that major demolition work on site has been completed, but a stable power supply is crucial for starting production. He stated that the company is working with grid operators and National Grid to build supporting power facilities, but National Grid has notified the company in writing of delays in the grid connection project. He estimated that commissioning could be delayed by six to eight months, or even longer, after the plant is completed. Tata Steel is currently negotiating with National Grid, the UK government, and power suppliers to minimize the impact of the delays.

Tata Steel explained that the project timeline will be dynamically adjusted as design, construction, and infrastructure progress, similar to most large-scale infrastructure projects. The company is now revising the commissioning schedule with partners, aiming to start operations as soon as possible while ensuring safety.

National Grid responded that the project requires the construction of two new substations, the installation of transformers, and the laying of approximately two kilometers of underground cables. The delays are primarily caused by complex geological conditions, environmental requirements, and approval processes. National Grid stated that the work is still ongoing and progressing smoothly.

The new electric arc furnace is a key component of Tata Steel UK's transition to low-carbon steel production and plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions at the UK's largest steel plant.

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