This two-day event will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and regional practitioners to discuss the links between research & innovation (R&I), policy and implementation on the ground for an accelerated and just transition of coal + regions.

The event is co-organised by the European Commission’s Research Executive Agency, the European Association for Coal and Lignite, and the European Commission’s Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition (CRiT).

It aims to

• strengthen the bridge between research, policy and projects in coal + regions
• facilitate networking and collaboration among researchers, policymakers at EU, national, regional and local level, as well as industry to foster productive dialogue that advances research into actionable implementation
• highlight synergies between projects supported by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) and CRiT activities

The first day, 29 September, will introduce RFCS-funded R&I projects supporting the transition of coal regions, with a particular focus on clean energy production, energy storage, post-mining land restoration and the recovery of materials. 

The second day, 30 September, will build on these insights, focusing on policy frameworks, practical implementation, challenges and solutions. The sessions will be an opportunity for participants to discuss how to effectively implement renewable energy, energy storage and mine restoration projects, and to hear from coal+ regions with their practical experiences. 

These sessions will be followed by site visits and a youth inclusion side event organised in cooperation with local partners.

Who should attend?

EU and national, regional and local policymakers, industry, civil society and other representatives of coal+ regions participating in the CRiT Initiative, as well as researchers and beneficiaries of RFCS‑funded projects, are all invited to join the event.

Registration will open soon.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at: bochumeuracoal [dot] eu (bochum[at]euracoal[dot]eu)  

For social media: #CoalRegionsEU