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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
Western Macedonia , Greece
Upper Silesia , Poland
West Region / Jiu Valley, Romania
Kolubara Region , Serbia
Donetsk Region, Ukraine
Wales , United Kingdom

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