SIR ROBERT MCALPINE has been named as the main works contractor by Tata Steel for its £1.25 billion investment in low-carbon ‘green’ steelmaking at Port Talbot steelworks. The project marks a major step in Tata Steel UK’s goal of decarbonising steel production.
The construction will focus on a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF)-based steel production facility capable of producing approximately three million tonnes of steel annually. The works include building a new EAF, ladle furnaces, and associated infrastructure within the existing Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) plant and surrounding areas.
This ambitious initiative, aimed at securing a sustainable future for UK steelmaking, represents a significant transformation for Port Talbot. It aligns with Tata Steel’s commitment to achieving net zero goals. Enabling works will begin in early 2025, with the main civil, structural, and building works set to start in Q3 2025, pending planning approval. The project is expected to take three years to complete.
Upskilling the workforce and supporting local communities
Beyond technology, the project emphasises investing in people. Resources will be dedicated to training and upskilling the workforce in EAF technology. The initiative is set to strengthen Port Talbot’s position as a hub for low-carbon steel production.
Sir Robert McAlpine has been collaborating with Tata Steel UK since September 2022, conducting feasibility studies for the facility. The contractor brings decades of experience in industrial construction, having worked on various parts of the Port Talbot steelworks over the past 70 years.
Craig Allen, Managing Director, Industrial, at Sir Robert McAlpine, expressed pride in contributing to this landmark transformation:
“We are proud to be part of the decarbonisation of Port Talbot steelworks, which will play a pivotal role in turning the Port Talbot site into a world-leading hub for sustainable steel production. Our robust relationship with Tata Steel UK and long-standing industrial expertise make us the ideal partner for this transformation. We look forward to working collaboratively, as part of a fully integrated project team, to deliver the project successfully.”
Commitment to regional impact and sustainability
The project also promises to positively impact the region. Sir Robert McAlpine and Tata Steel UK will collaborate with local educational institutions to support training and skills development while fostering relationships with supply chain partners to ensure project delivery.
Peter Jones, Tata Steel’s EAF Project Lead, highlighted the significance of this partnership:
“We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine to support us on this once-in-a-generation investment project. Our new arc furnace will be one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, so it is important that we work with highly skilled and experienced partners to ensure its success. We have a longstanding and trusted collaborative relationship with Sir Robert McAlpine, so are confident they are the right partner for us in the project.”
The transition to an electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks is expected to result in significant job reductions. Tata Steel is cutting approximately 2,800 positions across its UK operations, with the majority of these losses occurring at the Port Talbot site.
This decision follows the closure of the plant’s two blast furnaces, which are being replaced by the new electric arc furnace.
Trade unions have expressed strong opposition to the job cuts. Unite, one of the leading unions, has planned industrial action in response to the proposed redundancies. The union has criticized Tata Steel’s decision, arguing that it threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers and undermines the local economy.
Political figures have also weighed in on the issue. Keir Starmer previously stated his commitment to “fight for every single job and fight for the future of steel in Wales.”
Last year he called on Tata Steel to halt the planned closures and engage in discussions to explore alternatives that would protect jobs and ensure the long-term viability of steelmaking in the region.
The UK government has now agreed to provide £500 million in support to assist Tata Steel’s transition to greener production methods. Despite this financial aid, the company has indicated that the job cuts are necessary due to the reduced labor requirements of the new electric arc furnace technology.
The situation remains a point of contention among stakeholders, with ongoing discussions about balancing environmental objectives with economic and social impacts.

This monumental project signifies a new chapter for UK steelmaking and strengthens Port Talbot’s role as a global leader in sustainable steel production.