TATA: "This could of been done differently" says Port Talbot MS
David Rees MS admits the closing process of the blast furnace could of been done in a different way
The second blast furnace at the Tata steelworks in Port Talbot is expected to close on Monday the 30th of September.
David Rees is the Member of the Senedd of Aberavon, which includes Port Talbot, when asked about the closing of the furnace he said:
"Could of it been done differently? Yes."
"I think we could of kept the blast furnace fully operational for at least two years whilst electric furnaces or alternatives are put into place!"
"We are going to be in a world in Port Talbot with no steel making or iron making for at least 3 years, if not longer."
Tata Steel is switching to an electric alternative as part of a move towards greener production.
But the change is costing around 2,800 jobs.
Professor Calvin Jones researches energy economics at Cardiff University - he's told us the project faces significant issues.
"I think the problem we have is, for the longer term, there will need to be a supply of green electricity for this to work and be profitable."
"That's not likely to come online in Wales until at least the mid 2030's."
So, there's that long period of uncertainty."
The UK Government has pledged half a billion pounds in support for affected workers - and the local economy.
Tata Steel have been approached for comment.