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European Commission

RFCS Coal Research Projects

Funds early-stage coal research, from TRL 1-3 to TRL 4-5, that builds knowledge toward practical objectives.

OpenEuropean CommissionEU

Applicants file a Standard Application Form for RFCS through the Funding and Tenders Portal, evaluated in a single stage against the single 16 September 2026 deadline. The type of action is classified as an RFCS Project Grant (RFCS-PJG), open for submissions from 17 June 2026 onward. Five other budget lines share the same RFCS-2026 call and deadline, ranging from EUR 1,000,000 up to EUR 20,500,000

The Research Fund for Coal & Steel funds research projects focused on investigative or experimental work to acquire knowledge toward specific practical coal objectives, expected to start at Technology Readiness Level 1-3 and reach TRL 4-5 by project end. Proposals must relate to one or more RFCS coal objectives set out in Council Decision 2008/376/EC.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.16 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€7M

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