Green Steel Urgency: Friends of the Earth's Call for Change
Synopsis:
Friends of the Earth urges investment in green steel after Tata Steel's closure of coal-fired blast furnaces. Tony Bosworth, the energy campaigner, criticizes the UK government's lack of a forward-thinking Industrial Strategy, emphasizing the need for Port Talbot to lead in the transition to clean steel with green hydrogen and electric arc furnaces. The move away from coal highlights the government's decision to approve a new mine in Cumbria, a decision Friends of the Earth deems polluting and unnecessary. Urgent calls are made to prioritize areas like West Cumbria and Port Talbot in the shift towards a cleaner future.
Article:
In a significant development, Tata Steel's decision to shut down its coal-fired blast furnaces has sparked concern and criticism from Friends of the Earth. Tony Bosworth, the energy campaigner for Friends of the Earth, highlights the blow to workers and the local community, attributing it to the UK government's lack of a forward-thinking Industrial Strategy.
Bosworth advocates for Port Talbot to take a leading role in the transition to clean steel production. He emphasizes the importance of investing in green hydrogen to power virgin steel manufacturing and the adoption of electric arc furnaces. Such measures, according to Bosworth, would not only protect jobs but also support homegrown steel production, contributing to the UK's shift towards a green economy.
The move away from coal in the steel industry also draws attention to the government's decision just over a year ago to approve a new mine in Cumbria. Bosworth argues that this decision, made in part to provide coal for UK steel, contradicts the industry's shift towards cleaner alternatives. He urges ministers to end support for what Friends of the Earth deems a polluting and unnecessary coal mine.
Haf Elgar, the director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, expresses concern over the devastating impact on the people of Port Talbot. She emphasizes that the transition to green steel should be fair, securing Port Talbot's future, creating sustainable jobs, and positioning areas like this at the forefront of the shift to a clean economy.
As a note to editors, Friends of the Earth references the anniversary of the Cumbrian mine decision, urging the government to withdraw support. Legal challenges against the decision to allow the new coal mine in Cumbria have been mounted by Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC), with the High Court expected to hear the case later this year.
Conclusion:
Friends of the Earth strongly advocates for a shift to green steel production following Tata Steel's decision to close coal-fired blast furnaces. Criticizing the UK government's lack of a forward-thinking strategy, they call for Port Talbot to lead in the transition to clean steel. Urgent appeals are made to end support for a polluting coal mine in Cumbria and prioritize areas like West Cumbria and Port Talbot for a cleaner, sustainable future.
