Port Talbot faces uncertainty after steelworks closures, but new projects offer hope for jobs and investment
Port Talbot: It’s been a rough year for the folks living in Port Talbot. This place is famous for its huge steelworks, which has been a big part of the community for over a century.
Those towering blast furnaces are hard to miss when you’re driving on the M4. Almost everyone in town has a connection to the steelworks, whether they worked there or know someone who did.
But things took a turn when Tata announced they’d be shutting down those blast furnaces in September 2024. They’re moving to greener electric technology, and that means about 2,000 jobs are on the line.
This change is huge for the town. People are worried it might change everything, from local businesses to the very vibe of Port Talbot.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope. Some new projects are in the works that could bring jobs and investment back to this historic area.
First up is Tata’s new electric arc furnace. Even though the blast furnaces are closing, Tata has plans for a £1.25 billion electric arc furnace. If it gets the green light, it could produce 3 million tonnes of steel each year by melting scrap steel.
Then there’s the Celtic Freeport. Neath Port Talbot Council is working on this project, which could really boost the local economy. It’s expected to create around 16,000 jobs and bring in over £5.5 billion in investment.
Another exciting development is ‘Project Dragon,’ a jet fuel plant that could create over 150 full-time jobs. This facility will turn sustainably sourced ethanol into aviation fuel, aiming to produce 100 million litres a year.
Lastly, there’s the SWITCH project, a £20 million research facility focused on making the metal and steel industry greener. It’s a partnership with Swansea University and aims to help the region transition to net zero.
So, while the year has been tough, there are signs that Port Talbot could bounce back with these new initiatives.
