Proposals can now be submitted under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS). The programme has made available EUR 40 million to finance research and innovation projects dedicated to the sustainable transformation of the coal and steel sectors.
The 2026 call is divided into six topics covering both the steel and coal sectors.
As regards the sector of carbonThe calls aim to support a just transition, improve health and safety, and minimize the environmental impacts of coal mines in transition. The specific topics are as follows:
- RFCS-2026-01-AM – Coal Accompanying Measures: Funds accompanying measures to ensure balanced representation within the consortium of relevant academia, research centers, industry, and/or sector associations, including just transition stakeholders. Budget: EUR 1 million;
- RFCS-2026-01-RPJ – Coal Research Projects: funds investigative or experimental work aimed at acquiring knowledge that helps facilitate the achievement of specific practical objectives. Research project activities are expected to begin at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1-3 and reach TRL 4-5 by the end of the project. Budget: EUR 7 million;
- RFCS-2026-01-PDP – Coal Pilot and Demonstration ProjectsPilot projects aim to build, operate, and develop adequately scaled facilities, while demonstration projects involve building and/or operating industrial-scale facilities. Both have the primary objective of bridging the gap between research and innovation. Pilot and demonstration activities are expected to begin at TRL 4-5 and reach TRL 7-8 by the end of the project. Budget: EUR 2.8 million.
The calls for tenders relating to the sector ofsteel Instead, they aim to develop new sustainable, low-carbon steel production and finishing processes, produce advanced steels, protect the environment and the circular economy, and manage the workforce. The specific topics are as follows:
- RFCS-2026-02-AM – Steel Accompanying Measures: Funds accompanying measures to ensure balanced representation within the consortium of relevant academia, research centers, industry, and/or sector associations, including just transition stakeholders. Budget: EUR 1 million;
- RFCS-2026-02-RPJ – Steel Research Projects: funds research projects focused on investigative or experimental work aimed at gaining knowledge to facilitate the achievement of specific practical objectives. Research project activities should begin at TRL 1-3 and reach TRL 4-5 by the end of the project. Budget: 5 million;
- RFCS-2026-02-PDP – Steel Pilot and Demonstration ProjectsPilot projects aim to build, operate, and develop adequately scaled facilities, while demonstration projects involve building and/or operating industrial-scale facilities. Both aim to bridge the gap between research and innovation and commercialization. Pilot and demonstration activities are expected to begin at TRL 4-5 and reach TRL 7-8 by the end of the project. Budget: EUR 7.62 million.
Consortia must be composed of at least two or three independent partners, depending on the type of project, established in EU Member States or countries associated with the programme.
The deadline for submitting project proposals is 16 September 2026 (17:00 CET).
For more information write to us at info@iniziativa.cc
