Deadline: 24-Sep-2025
The European Commission has launched the Steel Pilot and Demonstration Projects to support innovation and sustainability in the steel sector. These projects fall under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) and aim to bridge the gap between research and practical application.
Proposals must address one or more key RFCS objectives for steel. These include developing sustainable, low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes, creating advanced steel grades and applications, promoting resource conservation and circular economy practices, and improving workforce management and working conditions.
Steel Pilot Projects focus on building and operating scaled-up installations that test lab or theoretical findings in real-world environments. They help gather reliable technical and economic data needed to advance toward demonstration or industrial stages. Demonstration Projects take things a step further by constructing and operating industrial-scale systems, preparing the technology for commercial rollout with minimal risk.
These projects are expected to begin at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–5 and reach TRL 7–8 by the end. Proposals should meet this requirement, even if a few minor activities start at a lower TRL. Each submission must also include an analysis of the expected industrial, environmental, economic, and social impacts.
The total call budget is EUR 40 million, with EUR 7.62 million specifically allocated for Steel Pilot and Demonstration Projects. This funding supports projects that advance real technological solutions aligned with EU sustainability goals.
To be eligible, applicants must be legal entities involved in research and technological development. These can include public or private organizations, research institutions, and educational establishments. All entities must be based in EU Member States, including overseas countries and territories, or in non-EU countries associated with the RFCS.
For more information, visit EC.
