European Commission Launches Pilot Project to Reduce CO2 Emissions in Steel
The steel industry is one of the biggest industrial emitters of CO2. Therefore, large investments in innovation and in integrated breakthrough technologies in this industry are crucial for achieving the EU’s climate and energy targets, boosting competitiveness of industry and giving a first mover advantage to European companies in the global scene.
The European Commission has launched a pilot project to explore the feasibility of implementing breakthrough technology options, deployment paths and investment strategies for clean steelmaking in Europe with almost zero CO2 emissions. Although the pilot project primarily addresses the steel sector, it should not limit its scope to this sector or to other energy intensive industries only. It should also look at technology solutions stemming from other sectors, identifying technology spill overs from non-related sectors.
The pilot project will:
Provide ambitious and realistic solutions to the EU steel industry, the energy intensive industries and other sectors to overcome technical and non-technical barriers towards strong reduction of CO2 emissions in order to meet the EU climate targets by 2030 and beyond.
Provide insights from relevant stakeholders on how to make the best from EU new initiatives to decarbonize steelmaking. This will also contribute to EU leadership in this strategic industrial area.
Promote R&D initiatives in the field of clean steelmaking by improving the synergy and sequencing of EU policies.
The pilot project will require close collaboration with relevant European think-tanks, technology and research centres, industrial associations, steel producers, private investors and civil society organisations, as well as with the European institutions (European Parliament, European Council and European Commission), national and regional public bodies.
Any undertaking, public body, research organisation or higher and secondary education establishment, or other legal entity, including natural persons, established within the territory of an EU member state may participate and apply for financial assistance.
Please note that, if the UK withdraws from the EU during the grant period without concluding an agreement with the EU ensuring in particular that British applicants continue to be eligible, UK applicants will cease to be eligible to receive EU funding (while continuing, where possible, to participate) or be required to leave the project on the basis of Article 50 of the grant agreement.
The total budget for the call is €1,247,660. The Commission expects to fund one single proposal.
Applications should be submitted online. Projects will commence in December 2019, and the duration of the action is a maximum of 18 months.
The deadline for applications is 9 July 2019.
More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.
