Jobs at risk as British Steel considers electric arc furnaces
Jobs are set to be lost if British Steel builds two electric arc furnaces as part of a £1.25bn programme to accelerate its decarbonisation programme.
The proposals, which are subject to appropriate support from the UK government, could see British Steel install two electric arc furnaces (EAFs) at its headquarters in Scunthorpe, and its manufacturing site in Teesside. The proposal follows analysis of the company’s current operations, available technology and market conditions.
British Steel said the new furnaces could be operational by late 2025 and would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations in Scunthorpe that account for most of the company’s CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and said it will support employees affected by the decarbonisation plans. It has agreed for its proposals to be reviewed by an external specialist on behalf of the trade unions.
The company is also working with North Lincolnshire Council on a masterplan to attract new businesses and jobs to the Scunthorpe site, parts of which could become vacant if the proposals go ahead.
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