Clean energy, restored lands: the path forward for coal regions
A two-day European event connecting research, policy, industry and regional experience to advance practical and just transition pathways for coal regions.
Event overview
Connecting research with action in coal regions
The event will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and regional practitioners to examine how research, policy and implementation can reinforce one another.
Discussions will focus on how research and innovation can be translated into practical projects that accelerate the transition of coal and carbon-intensive regions.
Particular attention will be given to clean energy production, energy storage, post-mining land restoration, material recovery and the practical challenges encountered by regions during implementation.
The programme combines project presentations, policy dialogue, regional experience, networking, technical visits and a side event focused on the involvement of young people.
Main objectives
From knowledge to implementation
The meeting is designed to strengthen cooperation between the research community, public authorities, industry and coal-region stakeholders.
Connect research, policy and projects
Strengthen the relationship between research results, policy priorities and practical projects being implemented in coal regions.
Support collaboration and dialogue
Facilitate networking among researchers, policymakers at different governance levels, industry representatives and regional actors.
Identify synergies
Highlight complementarities between projects supported by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and activities developed through the Coal Regions in Transition Initiative.
Programme overview
Two days of research, policy and regional experience
The programme progresses from research and innovation projects to policy frameworks, implementation challenges and experience from coal regions.
Research and innovation for coal-region transition
The first day will present RFCS-supported research and innovation projects that contribute directly to the transformation of coal regions.
- Clean and renewable energy production in former and transitioning mining regions.
- Energy-storage technologies and their integration into regional energy systems.
- Restoration and productive reuse of post-mining land.
- Recovery and valorisation of materials from mining activities and associated residues.
- Exchange between RFCS projects, regional actors and policymakers.
Policy frameworks and practical implementation
The second day will examine how research outcomes can be converted into viable regional projects and effective public policies.
- Policy conditions required to accelerate regional transition.
- Practical barriers encountered when implementing renewable-energy projects.
- Deployment of energy storage and mine-land restoration solutions.
- Lessons and practical experience presented by European coal regions.
- Discussion of implementation challenges, solutions and opportunities for cooperation.
Site visits
Transition in practice
The technical visits will allow participants to examine restored landscapes, industrial heritage, innovation initiatives and active lignite mining.
Landscape Park Hoheward
A visit to the landscape park developed around the former Ewald Colliery in Herten, illustrating the transformation of post-industrial land into a regional landscape and recreational asset.
Post-mining land restorationZollverein mine and coking plant
A tour of the UNESCO World Heritage industrial complex, combined with a presentation from the BRYCK Innovation Hub on innovation and regional transformation.
Industrial heritage and innovationGarzweiler lignite mine
A technical visit to the Garzweiler open-cast lignite mine, offering direct insight into mining operations, landscape transformation and the challenges of regional transition.
Active mining and transitionWho should attend?
A meeting point for the European transition community
The event is intended for organisations and professionals involved in coal-region transition, including representatives of public authorities, industry, research, civil society and European programmes.
Registration
Join the Bochum event
Registration is managed through the official European Commission registration form. Participants should complete the form before the stated deadline.
Co-organised by
European cooperation for coal regions
The event is organised through cooperation between European institutions, the RFCS community, regional transition initiatives and academic partners.