Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, has praised Tata Steel UK’s move to low-CO₂ at its Port Talbot site.
The comments were made during a visit to the site in Wales, with Brearley partaking in a tour around the premises.
Brearley said: “Back in 2016 and 2023, most of the conversation was about electricity and gas prices and the pressure they put on the steel business.
“What’s inspiring today is seeing Tata Steel moving towards electric arc furnace-based steelmaking and helping to deliver a green future.”
He further highlighted Great Britain’s energy regulator’s role in enabling investment by ensuring industrial customers, like Tata, have the right conditions to transition, including fair energy pricing and strong grid connections.
Brearley also remarked: “Everything we are doing is to make sure companies such as Tata Steel can get what they need from the energy system,
"That allows them to invest, support economic growth, and deliver on the UK’s net zero goals.”
Alison Meldrum, national grid programme manager for Tata Steel UK added: “Without a new upgraded energy connection, there will be no low-CO2 steelmaking, so our collaborative work with National Grid over the coming few years, and the support of the regulator is absolutely critical.”
