Tata Steel's line slows as Britain revisits wind and franchise rules
Tata Steel's Llanwern line is running at roughly half capacity as onshore-wind applications rise. The government has also commissioned two studies of franchise oversight.
Economics & Markets··Evening
The Llanwern line fell to half capacity as import quotas rose
Tata Steel's Llanwern plant in south Wales is running at roughly half capacity. The site produces about 600,000 tons of galvanised steel a year and supplies nearly half of British demand. Despite the 50 per cent import tariff introduced in July, India's tariff-free galvanised quota rose from 98,000 to 125,000 tons, Vietnam's from 51,000 to 174,000 tons, and South Korea received 100,000 tons. Tata Steel commercial director Russell Codling said the line was already significantly affected. The company met industry minister Blair McDougall two weeks ago while its Port Talbot transition to a 3 million-ton electric arc furnace continues.[1]
Onshore-wind applications reached a ten-year high
About 45 applications for onshore windfarms were submitted in England in the year to March. Capacity entering the planning system has more than tripled since the de facto ban was lifted two years ago. Applications rose from about 1 megawatt a month before September 2023 to 9 megawatts before the policy change and about 36 megawatts by the start of this year. English proposals since the ban was lifted total 438 megawatts, against 490 megawatts in Wales and 5,280 megawatts in Scotland. The average English project has 2 turbines and 8 megawatts. RenewableUK chief executive Tara Singh said onshore wind generates power at about half the cost of new gas-fired generation.[2]
The ministry is examining franchising through two studies
The Department for Business and Trade is examining the domestic franchise market with the British Franchise Association and has engaged the Centre for Economic Policy Research to compare regulatory models used abroad. The government is considering whether to introduce new franchising law. The studies follow claims involving Adrian Howe, a former Vodafone employee who agreed to open a franchise in 2018. Vodafone settled in July, without admitting liability, a High Court case filed in 2024 by 62 former franchisees. Lord Leong, appointed minister for small business and enterprise in July, has added franchising to his portfolio.[3]
