Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Tata Steel’s project converts steelmaking emissions into raw materials

Tata Steel’s project converts steelmaking emissions into raw materials

SCIENTISTS are using superbugs to convert emissions from Tata Steel’s blast furnaces into sustainable raw materials, according to a statement. 

The pilot project, led by the University of South Wales, has been set up at the two huge Port Talbot iron-making furnaces, is showing promising results.


It explores how waste gasses from the steelmaking processes can be harnessed and used to support other industries while reducing the amount of CO2 released, the statement added.

Tata Steel is UK's largest steelmaker with primary steelmaking at Port Talbot in South Wales and employs more than 8,000 people.

Dr Rhiannon Chalmers-Brown from the University of South Wales said: “The process we are testing here bubbles off-gases from the blast furnaces through sewage sludge, which contains a certain type of bacteria which is able to consume both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. We’re currently getting quite high levels of carbon utilisation which we think we can increase up to about 98 per cent.

“The waste products from those bacteria include acetic acid and volatile fatty acids which can be used for a huge range of commercially viable end-uses such as paints, bioplastic-polymers or even animal feeds.”

Dr Chalmers-Brown pointed out that every iron and steelmaking technology emits some carbon-based gases, hence the technology has the potential to reduce those emissions.

Gareth Lloyd, process engineering manager from Tata Steel and industry sponsor, said: “This is a great project, which could be a real game-changer and is yet another example of the benefits of working closely with some of our top universities.”

Tata Steel in UK wants to produce net-zero steel by 2050 at the latest and plans to reduce 30 per cent of CO2 emissions by 2030. The company is developing detailed plans for this transition to future steelmaking based on low CO2 technologies, the statement further said.

More For You

JLR-Getty
A logo is pictured outside a Jaguar Land Rover new car show room in Tonbridge, south east England. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jaguar Land Rover says no customer data stolen in cyber breach

JAGUAR LAND ROVER (JLR) said on Friday it is working "at pace" to resolve a cyber incident that has severely affected its retail and production activities. Factory staff have been told to stay at home until at least early next week.

The company disclosed the breach on Tuesday, the latest in a series of cyber and ransomware attacks against businesses globally. Companies such as Marks & Spencer and Co-op have also been hit by breaches in recent years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Co-op and Bestway strike new deal to back independent retailers

Dawood Pervez (L), managing director at Bestway Wholesale and Katie Secretan, managing director of Co-op Wholesale

Co-op and Bestway strike new deal to back independent retailers

A NEW partnership has been formed between Co-op Wholesale and Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) to support independent retailers across the UK.

Goes beyond the standard supply deal, it aims to bring the combined expertise and resources of both businesses together, helping local retailers compete in an increasingly tough convenience market, a statement said on Thursday (4).

Keep ReadingShow less
Nirmala Sitharaman

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure would be simplified from four slabs to two, with reductions across several sectors. (Photo: Getty Images)

India cuts consumption taxes, simplifies structure into two slabs

INDIA announced a major cut in consumption taxes on Wednesday, days after the United States imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure would be simplified from four slabs to two, with reductions across several sectors. In some cases, levies have been reduced by more than half.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jio Platforms

Jio Platforms includes India’s largest telecom operator, Reliance Jio Infocomm, with more than 500 million users. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Jio IPO planned for mid-2026, AI unit announced with Meta and Google

RELIANCE Industries plans to take its telecom and digital arm, Jio Platforms, public by mid-2026, chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Friday. The announcement sets a new timeline for the long-awaited IPO of a business analysts value at over $100 billion.

At its annual general meeting (AGM), Reliance also announced the launch of an artificial intelligence unit in partnership with Google and Meta.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda tech overhaul

Asda sales fell 0.2 per cent in the three months to June 30, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Asda boss hails tech overhaul as key to revival despite sales slump

THE chairman of Asda has admitted the supermarket chain still faces challenges after sales slipped again over the summer, but said the completion of a major IT overhaul was crucial for its recovery.

Allan Leighton told the Times that the long-delayed technology project, called Project Future, had finally been finished after years of setbacks and costs exceeding £1 billion. The work involved separating more than 2,500 systems inherited from former owner Walmart, following Asda’s 2021 takeover by TDR Capital.

Keep ReadingShow less