Automated bulk scrap sampling for EAF steelmaking
Tata Steel UK invites innovators to propose fit for purpose bulk scrap sampling solutions capable of extracting representative samples from highly heterogeneous scrap deliveries during unloading or controlled material flow. Solutions should provide sampling approaches suitable for large, irregular scrap pieces discharged from rail containers, trucks or loading shovels. These samples must be suitable for downstream manual inspection and melting scale chemical characterisation.
Opportunity
Challenge opens
28/04/2026
Challenge closes
05/06/2026
Benefit
Tata Steel UK is seeking innovative solutions that enable representative, reliable bulk sampling of incoming mixed scrap streams to support the transition to low carbon Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking at Port Talbot. Accurate sampling is a critical precursor to effective inspection, segregation, and residual control decision making. Without robust bulk sampling, a representative picture of the scrap quality cannot be obtained. A scalable, safe and semi or fully automated sampling capability will unlock higher use of UK sourced scrap, support stable furnace chemistry, and contribute directly to both Tata Steel UK’s decarbonisation goals and South Wales’ wider Net Zero ambitions.
Background
The Net Zero Industry Launchpad is using the Innovate UK Business Connect Innovation Exchange(iX) platform to offer an exciting new pilot competition using the iX platform to support challenges that benefit or impact on Southwest Wales.
The aim of this competition is to support outstanding innovation projects that will impact on Southwest Wales. The pilot - Southwest Wales Launchpad Net Zero iX Challenges, aims to foster collaborative partnerships between a challenge holder & solution provider to deliver a project that will accelerate the adoption of industrial circular economy, net zero or decarbonisation innovations within and across sectors for the Net Zero Industry launchpad in Southwest Wales
Tata Steel UK, the UK’s largest steel producer, is undergoing a £1.25 billion transformation of its Port Talbot operations. This includes replacing traditional blast furnace steelmaking with a state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), supported by £500 million in UK Government funding. This transition represents the most significant investment in the UK steel industry in decades and positions the company as a leader for low-carbon steel production.
Tata Steel UK supplies steel to critical sectors including automotive, construction, consumer goods, and national infrastructure. Its Port Talbot site underpins thousands of jobs across South Wales and the wider supply chain.
Until 2024, steel production at Port Talbot relied on carbon-intensive blast furnace and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) technologies, dependent on imported coal and iron ore. As a result, the site was one of the largest single sources of industrial CO₂ emissions in the UK.
The UK generates 10 to 11 million tonnes of scrap steel annually, yet approximately 80% is exported despite growing domestic demand for low-carbon steelmaking inputs. This highlights a significant opportunity to better utilise domestic scrap resources.
As Tata Steel UK transitions to EAF-based production, the Port Talbot facility will produce up to 3.2 million tonnes of steel annually and will require up to 60,000 tonnes of scrap each week. This will necessitate substantial improvements in scrap sorting, logistics, and quality control across the UK supply chain.
EAF steelmaking relies on scrap as its primary input. Residual elements such as copper, tin, chromium, and nickel cannot be removed once melted, and even small concentrations can limit product grade flexibility and require dilution with higher-carbon materials.
As the UK moves toward a more circular, scrap-based steel system, improving scrap quality will be critical for ensuring product consistency, cost efficiency, and emissions reduction.
Tata Steel UK’s transition to EAF technology is expected to reduce on-site CO₂ emissions by up to 90%, equivalent to around 5 million tonnes per year. This makes it one of the most significant industrial decarbonisation initiatives in the UK.
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