Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS)

The Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) has opened its 2025 Big Tickets Call, offering a total budget of €135 million to fund groundbreaking research and innovation projects in the coal and steel sectors.

The RFCS Big Tickets Call is a game-changer for organizations aiming to lead innovation in these critical sectors while contributing to Europe’s climate neutrality goals by 2050. With substantial funding per project—ranging from €5 million to €18 million for large-scale demonstrators—this call provides an unparalleled opportunity to scale transformative solutions.

Funding Breakdown

• Steel Sector: €100 million allocated to projects focused on clean steel production, energy efficiency, circular economy, and carbon capture technologies,
• Coal Sector: €35 million dedicated to repurposing closed coal mines, methane emissions monitoring, water treatment, and recovery of critical raw materials.
• An additional standard annual call, worth €40 million, to cover both coal and steel is set to open in June 2025. 

Eligibility

• Open to universities, research centers, companies, and consortia based in EU Member States or associated countries.
• Projects must achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7-8 by the end of the funding period.

Focus Areas for Funding

• Steel Sector Priorities

1. CO₂-neutral iron ore reduction methods.
2. Advanced steel alloys for specialized applications.
3. Process integration technologies to improve energy efficiency and heat recovery.
4. Circular economy solutions aimed at zero waste in steelmaking.
5. Carbon capture from steel CO/CO₂ gases.

• Coal Sector Priorities

1. Repurposing former coal mines and infrastructure.
2. Recovery of critical raw materials from waste and spoil treatment.
3. Monitoring and restoration of land and water tables in closed mines.
4. Methane emissions processing for environmental protection.

How to Apply

Submit your proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Ensure your project aligns with RFCS priorities and demonstrates strong potential for impact within the coal or steel sectors.