RFCS – Research Fund For Coal and Steel – 2021-2027

The RFCS programme is particularly linked to the European Green Deal. Indeed, it aims to help the transformation of the steel strategic sector towards the green, digital and circular transitions. Moreover, it contributes to the European steel industry becoming even more competitive globally, in a sustainable way.

Objectives

• For Coal:
  • Supporting the just transition of the coal sector and regions
  • Improving health and safety
  • Minimise the environmental impacts of coal mines in transition
• For Steel:
  • New, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes
  • Advanced steel grades and applications
  • Conservation of resources, protection of the environment and circular economy
  • Management of work force and working conditions

Priorities

• For Coal:
  • Improving the competitive position of Community coal
  • Health and safety in mines
  • Efficient protection of the environment and improvement of the use of coal as a clean energy source
  • Management of external dependence on energy supply
• For Steel:
  • New and improved steelmaking and finishing techniques
  • RTD and the utilisation of steel
  • Conservation of resources and improvement of working conditions

Financed actions

• Steel production processes
• Optimised utilisation and conservation of resources, energy savings and industrial efficiency improvements
• Health and safety at work
• Environmental protection
• Technologies supporting coal regions in transition
• Emission reductions from steel production