The advanced pickle line will be placed at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot Steelworks site.
The new processing line will help the company provide automation, electrification and digital technology to its factory line.
The line is expected to be operational for the startup of Tata Steel’s new 3.2m tonne capacity electric arc furnace.
The financial deals were not disclosed.
Major Decarbonisation Efforts and Government Support
Tata Steel UK will also invest over £1.25bn at the Welsh Plant, inclusive of £500m in UK government support to aid in decarbonisation efforts.
ABB will commission its technologies by the end of 2027 for the full operational start-up at Port Talbot in 2028.
The new line, including Clecim’s mechanical and process equipment, will process hot rolled coils to eliminate oxide scale formed during the steel rolling process – impacting the bonding of coatings or finishes.
Automation and Digital Solutions for Steelmaking
ABB will be responsible for automation, leveraging the Roll@xA digital solution and ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system with specific libraries for processing lines.
ABB Ability System 800xA wholly integrates all automation aspects within its environment.
ABB will also supply a scope of digital solutions for optimising the new line’s performance, including ABB Ability Manufacturing Operations Management for Metals and ABB Ability Data Analytics Platform for Metals, as well as the Extended Operator Workplace, a control centre to enhance human-plant operational effectiveness.
These systems also can fully integrate with the automation systems of Clecim’s pickling packages.
Smart Manufacturing and Electrification Technology
The system solution has been designed to enable further development, including digitalisation elements such as smart manufacturing, asset management and connected workforce.
The electrification scope from ABB will comprise of medium-voltage switchgear and transformers, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) equipment, a range of LV drives and multidrives, energy-efficient AC motors and associated control centre infrastructure.
Future of Green Steel Production at Port Talbot
“Our new and advanced pickle line will form a major part of our green steelmaking facility at Port Talbot, ensuring we can supply downstream businesses and customers with the high-quality, low CO₂ steel products society is demanding,” said Rajesh Nair, CEO, Tata Steel UK.
“This collaboration marks yet another critical step forward in securing a sustainable future for steel production in South Wales – made possible by the expertise and innovation provided by these best-in-class business partners.”
