Funding for Innovative Steel Pilot and Demonstration Projects

The focus areas of the call are new, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes, advanced steel grades and applications, dual-use applications relevant to civil and defence markets, pilot projects, demonstration projects, industrial integration of project outcomes, economic viability assessment, energy system and material balance assessments, emissions reduction, and strengthening strategic autonomy in steel production capacities for defence applications. There are no specific priorities under this topic. The available budget for this call is EUR 25,000,000.

This call supports RFCS Pilot and Demonstration Projects that aim to bridge the gap between research and innovation. Applicants may submit proposals for either pilot or demonstration projects related to innovative technologies that address at least one of the specified objectives.

Projects are expected to achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) between 5 and 8 by the end of the project. Activities should begin at TRL 3 or 4 and progress to at least TRL 5 or TRL 6 in a relevant environment.

Proposals must include an exploitation strategy describing the potential industrial integration of project outcomes, including pilot or demonstration installations, along with a preliminary assessment of their economic viability.

Applicants are required to clearly quantify and demonstrate targeted improvements through energy system and material balance assessments, including emissions. These assessments must be clearly defined within the proposal.

Projects addressing dual-use applications must explain how the proposed research and innovation activities relate to both civil and defence aspects. Proposals must not contain EU classified information.

The call recognizes the importance of the European steel sector for economic security, defence capabilities, preparedness, internal security, aerospace needs, and technological sovereignty. Participation is therefore restricted to legal entities established in EU Member States, and participants must not be directly or indirectly controlled by countries outside the EU or by legal entities established in such countries.

Eligible applicants include public or private legal entities such as undertakings, public bodies, research organizations, higher or secondary education establishments, and other legal entities that carry out research and technological development activities or make a substantial contribution to such activities. Applicants must be established in eligible countries, including EU Member States, overseas countries and territories, and countries associated with the RFCS, subject to the restrictions applicable to this topic.

For more information, visit European Commission.