British Steel is still weighing its options for electric arc furnaces in Scunthorpe, with no final decisions made yet
Right now, they have coke blast furnaces there. The company has big plans to decarbonise, aiming for £1.25 billion. They wanted to set up one electric arc furnace in Teesside and one in Scunthorpe. But it seems like they’ve dropped the Teesside plan.
Sir Nic Dakin, the local MP, is feeling hopeful about getting both furnaces in Scunthorpe. A spokesperson from British Steel mentioned they’re chatting with the government about their plans. But they stressed that no final decisions have been made yet.
The government has started a Steel Council to help shape the future of the steel industry. This includes British Steel, Liberty Steel, and trade unions. They’re also looking to invest up to £2.5 billion in the industry before the next election.
Sir Nic Dakin shared his thoughts with BBC Look North, saying he’s quietly hopeful but knows there’s still work to do. Meanwhile, Teesside Mayor Ben Houchen isn’t as optimistic. He feels there’s been some behind-the-scenes maneuvering against Teesside.
Planning permission for one electric arc furnace in Scunthorpe was approved, but the council hasn’t published the details yet. They’re waiting for input on wildlife habitats and other agreements. British Steel has made it clear that the new EAF process will create fewer jobs than the current blast furnaces.
As of now, there’s no application for a second electric arc furnace in Scunthorpe. So, it looks like we’ll have to wait and see what happens next.
