RFCS-2026-Big Tickets-Coal

Expected Impact

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following impacts:

• progress towards the goals of the European Green Deal;
• progress towards the goals of the Just Transition Mechanism.

Expected Outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:

• quantify the emission reduction and/or other positive environmental effects achieved in the coal sector;
• demonstrate, where relevant, positive health and safety effects of the technology and/or the approach pursued;
• outline a technology scalability plan, supported by a viable business case;
• disseminate results widely and contribute to the development of skills and the creation/conversion of jobs.

Objective

In line with Council Decision (EU) 2008/376/EC, proposals should relate to at least one of the following research objectives for the coal sector:

• supporting the just transition of the coal sector and regions (Article 4);
• improving health and safety (Article 5);
• minimising the environmental impacts of coal mines in transition (Article 6).

Proposals must also relate to at least one of the following specific call objectives:

1. Repurposing formerly operating coal and lignite mines, those in the process of closure, and coal-related infrastructure, including power supply services
2. Materials and waste reuse, and development of alternative materials, including the recovery of critical raw materials
3. Land monitoring, modelling, stabilisation and/or restoration
4. Processing of methane emissions
5. Monitoring, management and/or treatment of mine water and water tables in coal mines in the process of closure and formerly operating mines

Scope

• Applicants may submit proposals for either pilot or demonstration projects (see Articles 15 and 16 of Council Decision (EU) 2008/376/EC).
• Activities are expected to achieve technology readiness level 7-8 (TRL 7-8).
• Research must be in line with the goals of the Just Transition Mechanism.
• Proposals must demonstrate support for the social and economic revitalisation of former coal mining regions.
• Proposals may include activities for reskilling and upskilling programmes and improved working conditions.