The European Commission has approved €175 million in funding for the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) in 2025. This allocation aims to drive innovation and support the just transition steel and coal research, aligning with the European Green Deal’s ambitious climate neutrality goal
The Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) fosters innovation within the coal and steel sectors, prioritizing sustainable development and a just transition. This includes advancing clean steelmaking technologies, such as carbon capture and utilization, and supporting the repurposing of coal mines.
By encouraging collaborative research projects involving universities, research centres, and private companies, the RFCS aims to enhance European industrial competitiveness while addressing the environmental and social challenges inherent in these sectors.
Promoting steel and coal research
The funding will be distributed through three key avenues:
- Two “Big Tickets” Calls:
- These flagship initiatives will focus on critical areas. The €100 million Steel “Big Tickets” Call (February 2025) will prioritise pilot projects and demonstrations for groundbreaking clean steelmaking technologies. This includes exploring carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), process intensification, and carbon-neutral iron ore reduction methods.
- €35 Million Coal “Big Tickets” Call:
- This concurrent call will support the repurposing of closed coal mines. Key areas include mine, water, and land monitoring; waste and spoil treatment and restoration; energy recovery; methane emissions monitoring; and the recycling of materials, including critical raw materials.
- €40 Million Standard Annual Call:
- This call, scheduled for June 2025, will cover research projects related to both the coal and steel sectors, fostering broader innovation across these industries.
Aligning with the Green Deal and supporting competitiveness
The RFCS program is crucial for achieving the European Green Deal’s 2050 climate neutrality target.
By fostering research and innovation, it aims to enhance the competitiveness of European industries, drive decarbonisation efforts, and bolster energy security. This aligns with the recommendations of the Mario Draghi Report on the future of European competitiveness.
Steel and coal research: Addressing the challenges of transition
The coal and steel sectors play vital roles in the European economy, but they also face significant challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon future. The RFCS program directly addresses these challenges by:
- Supporting the transition of the coal sector:
- The program will help coal mining regions adapt to the changing energy landscape, providing support for the repurposing of former mines and related infrastructure.
- Promoting sustainable steel production:
- The funding will accelerate the development and deployment of innovative steelmaking technologies that minimise environmental impact and reduce carbon emissions.
- Improving Safety and environmental performance:
- The program will contribute to enhanced health and safety standards within the coal and steel sectors, while also minimising environmental impacts throughout the entire production process.
Who will benefit from further funding and research?
The RFCS program will benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including universities and research centres, that will be crucial in conducting research and developing innovative solutions.
Furthermore, private companies within the steel and coal sectors will have the opportunity to access funding for research and development projects, enabling them to adopt new technologies and improve their competitiveness.
Looking ahead for RFCS funding and investment
The €175 million allocated to the RFCS program represents a significant investment in the future of European steel and coal research. By supporting research and innovation, the program will play a vital role in ensuring a just and sustainable transition for these industries while strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in clean energy technologies.
