THE CHALLENGE

Coal is currently mined in 41 regions across 12 EU countries, making it the most abundant fossil fuel in the EU and a significant source of economic activity. Transition towards a low carbon economy implies significant technological, economic and social challenges, in particular for coal-intensive regions that have to prepare for the reduction or phasing- out of coal, both due to market-driven trends and environmental policies.

TRACER supports nine coal-intensive regions around Europe to design (or re-design) their Research and Innovation (R&I) strategies in order to facilitate their transition towards a sustainable energy system.

THE REGIONS

Project activities focus on nine European regions with a long history in coal mining and use of coal as fuel for power generation.

  •  Southeast Region, Bulgaria
  •  North West Bohemia, Czech Republic
  •  Lusatia Region, Brandenburg  and Dresden , Germany
  •  West Macedonia , Greece
  •  Upper Silesia , Poland
  •  West Region / Jiu Valley, Romania
  •  Kolubara Region , Serbia
  •  Donetsk Region, Ukraine
  •  Wales , United Kingdom

UK CHECH REPUBLIC GERMANY POLAND GREECE BULGARIA SERBIA ROMANIA UKRAINE

THE OBJECTIVES

TRACER supports nine coal-intensive regions around Europe to design (or re-design) their Research and Innovation (R&I) strategies in order to facilitate their transition towards a sustainable energy system.

Core activities include:

  • Mobilisation of a wide range of stakeholders in nine European regions to discuss and agree on a shared vision and priorities for coal transition
  • Identification and analysis of best practice examples of successful and ambitious transition processes in coal intensive regions
  • Assessment of social, environmental and technological challenges
  • Elaboration of guidelines on how to mobilise investments
  • Fostering R&I cooperation among coal intensive regions in Europe and beyond

NEWS