Written question WQ88705

The Welsh Government is committed to supporting a future for green steelmaking in Wales.

I have set up Net Zero Industry Wales which is working with businesses operating in a wide range of energy and carbon intensive industries including steel, to help decarbonise industrial processes. Net Zero Industry Wales has a number of priorities, including enabling industry to explore new economic growth opportunities by becoming a world-leader in low-carbon manufacturing and stimulating new investments to create and retain high-skilled jobs.

We are also working with the steel sector and wider industries to understand the technology changes needed for decarbonisation. These include fuel switching, carbon capture utilisation and storage or shipping. Additionally, we are supporting the sector to promote and maximise opportunities arising from UK level initiatives such as the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), the third round of which will launch in early 2024. There have been several projects in Wales announced to date, including deep decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects at Celsa Steel.

Welsh Government continues to press the UKG to provide the support necessary to enable Tata Steel to transition to low-carbon steel production.