Tata Steel Nederland has been fined €8.5 million for the second time due to emissions

Dutch steel producer Tata Steel has been fined €8.5 million for the second time for exceeding emission limits at one of its coke gas production facilities in IJmuiden. As a result, the company has now reached the maximum penalty amount set by the regulator for this facility. This was reported by nu.nl.

According to Omgevingsdienst Noordzeekanaalgebied, the company continues to emit hazardous substances, including benzene and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Despite previous requirements, the company has failed to reduce emissions to the established limits.

The manufacturer paid the first installment of the €8.5 million fine in early 2026. It was imposed as part of sanctions introduced in late 2024, which provided for financial liability in the event of non-compliance with environmental requirements. Since the situation has not changed, the regulator imposed the second installment of the fine.

In addition, an additional sanction of nearly €10 million was imposed on another of the company’s coke gas plants. Although Tata Steel attempted to challenge these decisions in court, the company subsequently withdrew its lawsuits.

Having reached the maximum level of fines, the regulator is considering further steps, including the possible revocation of the operating permit for the relevant production facility. Emissions monitoring continues, and new measurement results are currently being evaluated.

At the same time, the company has announced plans to modernize its production facilities. Specifically, it plans to replace the outdated coke oven gas facility with a more environmentally friendly one by 2030. The Dutch government is considering investing approximately €2 billion in the decarbonization of the facility, provided that clear agreements on emissions reductions are reached.

As a reminder, Tata Steel Nederland recently announced the temporary shutdown of the Direct Sheet Plant (DSP)—a casting and rolling mill at the site in Eemeden. The decision was made in coordination with Omgevingsdienst Noordzeekanaalgebied (ODNZKG) after recent emissions measurements showed that chromium-6 levels exceeded the permissible limit at one of the smokestacks.