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The project, which received full planning approval earlier this year from Neath Port Talbot Council, will develop the UK’s largest low-carbon steelmaking facility.

Cllr Hunt said: “This is start of a new era for a town which has been shaped by steelmaking and now looks to take its place at the forefront of a greener steel industry.”

“I would like to commend the role our planning department has played in getting to this point. We know that change often comes with uncertainty, so this is a significant and welcome milestone as our communities adjust to the future shape of steel making in Port Talbot.

“Following Tata’s decision to restructure its UK operations we have been working closely with partners to mitigate the impact of these changes and to enable steel making in Port Talbot to continue”

“Tata’s Electric Arc Furnace development is one of several major projects, such as the Celtic Freeport, GCRE and SWITCH, which mean we can look ahead with optimism.

“The South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub (SWITCH) development at Harbourside, Port Talbot will provide a specialist research facility to support the steel industry and its supply chain to innovate and decarbonise.”

“In the meantime, the council is working alongside its Transition Board partners to deliver the UK Government funding which is helping people and businesses to meet their current challenges and to adapt to the needs of the future.”

Individuals and businesses, anywhere in Wales, affected by the changes at Tata Steel can find support and information at www.npt.gov.uk/TataTransition

Face-to-face support at NPT Council’s Employability team’s drop-in locations can also help people to access dedicated funding to re-skill and prepare for new employment opportunities.