RFCS-2026-Steel-Big Tickets under the steel and metals action plan dual-use

Expected Impact

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

• quantify the CO2 reduction and other positive environmental effects achieved in the steel sector;
• make it technically and economically feasible for novel technologies and processes to produce products of at least the same quality as that achieved using current industrial processes, as demonstrated and validated on a suitable scale;
• demonstrate, where relevant, positive health and safety effects of the technology and/or the approach pursued;
• outline a scalable deployment plan for the technology, supported by a viable business case;
• disseminate results widely and contribute to the development of skills and the creation/conversion of jobs.

2. Project results are expected to contribute to the following impacts:

• progress towards the goals of the European Green Deal, in line with the European Commission policy guidelines applicable to the steel industry for the full decarbonisation of the steel sector;
• support innovation and competitiveness in the steel sector as a strategic element for strengthening the European industrial base and autonomy.

Proposals relating to dual-use applications must demonstrate, in the impact section of the application form, how the proposed research and innovation activities will benefit both the civil and the defence sectors.

Objective

Proposals should address one of the following objectives:

1. New, sustainable and low-carbon steelmaking and finishing processes (Article 8).

• Proposals should address objectives listed in Article 8 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC.

2. Advanced steel grades and applications (Article 9).

• Proposals should address objectives listed under Article 9 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC.

Proposals addressing dual-use applications should aim to develop innovative products and processes relevant to both the civil and the defence markets in the steel sector.

Scope

• Applicants may submit proposals for either pilot or demonstration projects (see Articles 15 and 16 of Council Decision 2008/376/EC).
• Proposals must relate to the application of innovative technologies related to at least one of the objectives.
• Proposals submitted under this specific call are expected to achieve TRL 5-8 by the end of the project.
• Proposed activities are expected to start at TRL 3-4 and achieve at least TRL 5 (Technology validated in a relevant environment) or TRL 6 (Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment).
• Proposals must include an exploitation strategy outlining the possible industrial integration of the outcomes of the project (including the pilot/demonstrators) and a preliminary assessment of their economic viability.
• Targeted improvements (relative to existing installations or, for new projects, to the relevant ETS benchmark) must be clearly quantified and demonstrated using energy system and material balance assessments (including emissions), which must be clearly defined by the applicants.
• Proposals addressing dual-use applications must demonstrate, in the excellence section of the application form, how the proposed research and innovation activities are linked to civil and defence aspects.
• Proposals should not contain EU classified information, as defined in the Council Decision on the security rules for protecting EU classified information
• The European Commission’s steel and metals action plan acknowledges that the European steel sector is vital for the EU’s economic security and defence capabilities. The action plan stresses that ensuring a stable and resilient supply chain for steel and other key metals is critical for strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, ensuring the EU’s preparedness and internal security, meeting EU defence and aerospace needs, and ensuring technological sovereignty. In this context, the utmost priority should be given to strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy in steel production capacities for defence applications. For these reasons, and in line with Article 136(3) of the Financial Regulation, to protect the security of the European Union and its Member States, participation in this call is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States. In addition, participants (beneficiaries, affiliated entities, associated partners, and subcontractors) must not be directly or indirectly controlled by any country other than an EU Member State or by a legal entity established in such a country.