British Steel submits application for electric arc furnace in Scunthorpe
It comes as Unions at the Steelworks have been holding a protest today calling for a rethink on plans
British Steel has confirmed it's submitted a planning application to North Lincolnshire Council for a proposed Electric Arc Furnace in Scunthorpe.
It comes Unions at the Steelworks have been holding a protest today calling for a rethink on plans to develop the site.
British Steel have said making blast furnaces greener would ensure its future but it's feared that could lead to up to 2,000 job losses.
Unions say they've had minimal contact with bosses and urgently want a meeting.
Local people have been backing the campaign in Scunthorpe today with signs showing their support.
British Steel say they have engaged with the unions and will continue discussions at the appropriate time.
British Steel said:
"Once the application document has been verified, it will be considered by the council. The Scunthorpe application follows our application to Redcar and Cleveland Brough Council in December to build an EAF at Teesside Beam Mill.
"The applications are central to our plans to transform British Steel in to a clean, green and sustainable business by adopting electric arc furnace steelmaking at both sites.
"EAF technology is the only solution to significantly reducing our carbon emissions in a relatively short period of time. It is prudent to evaluate different operational scenarios to help us achieve our goals and we are continuing to assess our options. However, we firmly believe electrification will provide a rapid and sustainable solution to our decarbonisation challenge.
"Our proposals remain subject to the appropriate support from the UK Government with whom we remain in talks."
A government spokesperson has previously said they're committed to UK steel, and say they have offered a generous support package to the firm to safeguard jobs.