The presentation reviews the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) as a vital EU instrument supporting innovation and decarbonisation in the steel sector. The program emphasizes decarbonizing the steel sector through core objectives like CO2-neutral iron reduction, enhanced energy efficiency, and circular economy solutions. Key 2026 opportunities include the "Big Tickets" call, which dedicate €75 million to large-scale pilot and demonstration projects achieving high technology readiness levels (TRL 7-8), with an upcoming dual use call for proposals and the upcoming annual call (TRL 4-6). These calls align with the Clean Industrial Deal and Steel and Metals Action Plan to achieve quantifiable emission reductions.
European Commission
Sebastiano Fumero is currently the head of unit in the European Commission’s Research Executive Agency for the Future Low Emission Industries. He is in charge of the management of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, contributing to the European Green Deal's goals towards just transition and a climate-neutral economy.
Over the last 30 years, he served EU priorities in several positions, as a Cabinet member, political decision-maker, and head of unit in both the European Parliament and in the European Commission.
His portfolios included mainly research and innovation for the environment. The EU transport and aviation policies, aeronautics’ parts in Framework Programmes (FP6, FP7, Horizon 2020), research budget, the initiatives of Joint Undertaking Clean Aviation and the Joint Technology Initiative in aeronautics (Clean Sky 2).
Sebastiano has studied European law and political sciences (Turin). He used to be fellow of the International Labour Organisation (Turin), École Nationale d’Administration (Paris), the Diplomatic Institute of Rome, and the Fondation Jean Monnet.
Sebastiano speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Be the first to hear about exhibitors, speakers and what's on at our upcoming events.
