EU allocates €175 million for steel and coal sector research and transition

by David Fleschen

The European Commission has announced a funding decision of €175 million under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) to support collaborative research in the steel and coal sectors in 2025.

The funding will include two major initiatives, with €100 million dedicated to steel and €35 million for coal, both set to launch in February 2025. These initiatives aim to advance breakthrough technologies for near-zero-carbon steelmaking and facilitate the just transition of coal mines. An additional annual call worth €40 million, covering both sectors, is scheduled for June 2025.

The steel and coal industries continue to play a critical role in various sectors, with steel being an essential component in renewable energy technologies. The RFCS program aligns with the European Green Deal's objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and complements the Just Transition Mechanism. It focuses on fostering excellence in research and innovation to enhance Europe's competitiveness, sustainability, and security.

Background

The RFCS Research Programme aims to support the coal sector's transition and the repurposing of former coal mines, while also promoting safer working conditions and minimizing environmental impacts. Additionally, it contributes to advancing sustainable, low-carbon steelmaking and resource conservation, encouraging circular economy practices and improved workplace conditions.

Under the 2025 work programme, the "Big Tickets" call for steel, with a budget of €100 million, will focus on pilot projects and demonstrators for clean steelmaking technologies, including carbon capture, process intensification, and CO2-neutral iron ore reduction. Similarly, the coal sector's "Big Tickets" call, with a budget of €35 million, will support projects related to mine repurposing, water and land monitoring, waste management, methane emission control, and the recovery of critical raw materials.

The funding will be available to universities, research institutions, and private enterprises, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.

Source: European Commission, Photo: Fotolia

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