Clean energy, restored lands: The path forward for coal regions

This 2-day event will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and regional practitioners to discuss the links between research and 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 Research Executive Agency, which manages the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), the European Association for Coal and Lignite, the Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola 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

29 September: Day 1 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. 

30 September: Day 2 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 organised in cooperation with local partners. The site visits will include

• a tour of the Landscape Park Hoheward at Ewald Colliery in Herten
• a tour of the Zollverein mine and cokery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a presentation from the BRYCK Innovation Hub
• a tour of the Garzweiler open pit lignite mine

In person registration will close on 9 September, after which registrations will be for online participation only. Please note that in-person registrations are subject to approval due to venue capacity limits, please do not book travel or accommodation before receiving an email confirming your attendance

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

For social media: #CoalRegionsEU