Tata Steel UK and JCB Forge Groundbreaking Low-Carbon Partnership

Tata Steel UK has entered into an agreement with JCB to provide low-carbon steel from Port Talbot’s newly commissioned electric arc furnace.

In a major move towards sustainable manufacturing, Tata Steel UK has signed an agreement with construction giant JCB to supply low-carbon steel from its newly commissioned electric arc furnace at Port Talbot. 

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is Tata's first supply deal since ceasing heavy steelmaking at the site in September 2024, which led to the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs.

The transition to electric steelmaking at Port Talbot - a £1.25 billion project with a £500 million contribution from the UK government - will significantly reduce the steelworks' CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent and cut the UK's overall emissions by about 1.5 per cent. 

The new 3-million-tonne-per-year arc furnace is expected to be operational by summer 2025, following the installation of advanced steelmaking equipment supplied by Tenova under a contract signed in October.

“One of the key drivers in our transition plans is that our long-standing and loyal customers such as JCB need green steel to meet their own decarbonisation ambitions,” said chief commercial officer at Tata Steel UK, Anil Jhanji. “They want to be supplied by a trusted partner making quality steel within the UK”. 

“This announcement that two of the UK’s largest manufacturers are working together to create a low-carbon supply chain is an important step in the UK’s transition to a circular economy”.

JCB’s efforts to decarbonise its operations began in 2010 with its Road to Zero programme. The company has since developed innovative hydrogen and electric power solutions for its construction equipment, and is currently testing the world's first construction machines powered by hydrogen combustion engines. 

The low-carbon steel supplied by Tata will play a crucial role in reducing JCB’s embedded emissions, complementing its advancements in clean power solutions.

“Tata Steel is a long-term supply partner for JCB and this agreement marks an essential next step in our journey towards supply chain decarbonisation,” said JCB’s group purchasing director, Wayne Asprey.

“We are fully supportive of Tata Steel UK’s investment proposals and are pleased to be one of the first customers to endorse those plans by making this agreement to secure British-made green steel as soon as it is available”.

As these two industry leaders join forces, Tata Steel UK and JCB not only support each other's decarbonisation efforts but also contribute to the UK's overall environmental targets, setting a precedent for other manufacturers to follow.

Materials testing services at The Lab

The Lab’s materials testing services are there to help when incidents occur, and help you find the answers you need to prevent the worst from happening.

Regardless of the industry you are in, whether it be maritime, energy, manufacturing, or fabrication, The Lab offers services tailored to meet your failure investigation and materials testing needs.

Contact The Lab about our materials testing services today.

Learn more about our materials testing services at The Lab

For more information, industry insights, and the latest news, explore The Lab’s News and Knowledge Hub…

New Efficient Battery Fuel Could Revolutionise Energy Storage | New Ammonia Conversion Marks Leap Forward for Green Hydrogen Energy | Reusable 3D-Printed Glass Bricks Could Cut Construction Emissions