The Chinese-owned steelmaker said it will close the facility as part of its drive to overcome global economic challenges and build a “green and sustainable future”.
Coking ovens bake coal at high temperatures to produce coke, which is used to fuel blast furnaces for steel production. The Scunthorpe closure is likely to mean coke will be imported instead.
Energy-intensive industries in the UK have faced tough conditions over the last year due to dramatic fuel price increases in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
British Steel said its bills for energy and carbon increased by £190m last year, adding that “decisive action” was required because of the “unprecedented rise” in operating costs, surging inflation and the need to improve environmental performance.
Today, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced measures to bolster the finances of 300 energy-intensive companies in sectors including steel, metals, chemicals and paper.
It said it wanted...