Activities of Jordi SOLÉ related to 2020/0141(NLE)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision 2008/376/EC on the adoption of the Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel and on the multiannual technical guidelines for this programme
Amendments (46)
Amendment 12 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) On 5 October 2016, the Union ratified the 2018 Paris Agreement28 adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change28 and it entered into force on 4 November 2016. This international agreement invites parties who have ratified it to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change limiting globalholding the increase in the global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees. _________________ 28 Multilateral Treaty, Chapter XXVII Environment, 7.d Paris Agreement. Entered into force on 4 November 2016 and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels28a. _________________ 28 OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 1. 28a Article 2.1.a of the Paris Agreement.
Amendment 14 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) In line with the Paris Agreement, oOn 11 December 2019 the European Commission published its communication on ‘The European Green Deal’ committing the Commission to ‘tackle climate and environmental- related challenges’ and ‘to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use’29 . The European Green Deal Communication, which sets out a new growth strategy, announces the need to support clean steel breakthrough technologies leading to a zero carbon steelmaking process by 2030 and to explore whether part of the funding liquidated under the European Coal and Steel Community can be used. The European Green Deal Communication also states that ‘all EU actions and policies should pull together to help the EU achieve a successful and just transition towards a sustainable future’. In line with the ‘do no harm principle’, enshrined in the European Green Deal Communication, the research objectives of the RFCS Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel are being revised, so as to no longer cover activities that perpetuate the extraction, processing and unabated use of coal, including for steel. _________________ 29 COM(2019)640, p. 2.
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Union has been pursuing an ambitious policy on climate action and has put in place a regulatory framework to achieve its current 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target. In particular, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, adopted before the entry into force of the Paris Agreement. This regulatory framework will be adapted by June 2021 in line with the revised increased 2030 climate target. Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 sets out the legislative foundation for reliable, inclusive, cost- efficient, transparent and predictable governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action (governance mechanism), which ensures the achievement of the 2030 and long-term objectives and targets of the Energy Union in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. _________________ 30 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1–77).
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In addition, the report on the monitoring and assessment of the Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (‘the Research Programme’) recommends to amend the research objectives for coal and steel set out in Sections 3 and 4 of Chapter II of Decision 2008/376/EC and to support breakthrough research in the steel sector as well as emblematic projects in the coal sector.
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) It is necessary therefore to align the RFCS Research Programme objectives with international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, as well as with the scientific, technological and political objectives of the Union on climate neutrality by 2050the best available scientific evidence, in particular the findings reported by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as well as the technological and political objectives of the Union, in particular on climate change and zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Co-programmed partnerships have demonstrated to be effective in pooling resources for a common European research objective. In order to help to reach a climate-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest, it is necessary to set out the possibility to provide support via co- programmed European partnerships, in synergy and sequencing with other programmes. A European partnership could be an ideal instrument for pooling resources to support research on breakthrough technologies for the reduction of CO2towards zero- pollution and zero-greenhouse gas emissions in the steel industrial sector.
Amendment 21 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
The Research Programme shall provide support for collaborative research in the coal and steel sectors. The Research Programme shall also provide support for clean steellimit its support to breakthrough technologies leading to near zero- carbon and clean steel making projects andby 2030 and for research projects for managing the just transition of formerly operating coal mines or coal mines in the process of closure and related infrastructure in line with the Just Transition Mechanism and the territorial just transition plans and in compliance with Article 4(2) of Council Decision 2003/76/EC1a. The Research Programme shall be consistent with the political, scientific, climate, environmental and technological objectives of the Union, and shall complement the activities carried out in the Member States and within the existing EU research programmes, in particular the fHorizon Europe – the Framework pProgramme for rResearch, technological development and demonstration activities (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Research Framework Programme’).; and Innovation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Research Framework Programme’).’ The Research Programme shall in particular be consistent with the Paris Agreement, which sets out a long-term goal to pursue efforts to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels; _________________ 1aCouncil Decision 2003/76/EC of 1 February 2003 establishing the measures necessary for the implementation of the Protocol, annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (OJ L 29, 5.2.2003).
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
The Research Programme shall support research activities aimed at the objectives set out for coal in Section 3 and for steel in Section of Chapter II.The Research Programme shall refrain from supporting and contributing to: (a) the prolongation of the lifetimes of existing coal mines (e.g. extraction) and existing coal plants; (b) the promotion of underground coal gasification, coalbed methane (CBM) and enhanced CBM, the use of coal to produce hydrogen and steel and the use of coal for other purposes than energetic uses, such as products derived from coal tar, carbon fibre, coal to polymers, graphene, carbon nanotubes and products for agriculture;
Amendment 28 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Research projects shall supportcontribute to the achievement of the Union’s 2030 climate targets and the transition towards a climate-neutral Union economy by 205040 at the latest, with the objective to support the phasing out of fossil fuels, to develop well before that date, and to support the development of alternative activities on former coal mine sites and avoid or restore environmental damage of coal mines in the process of closure, formerly operating coal mines and their surroundings, while respecting the polluter-pays principle. Projects shall in particular focus on:
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (b)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (b)
(b) use of geothermal energy on former coal sites; development of renewable energy supply services on former coal sites, such as the exploitation of geothermal resources, including energy storage, local heating, cooling, electricity and, where found, sustainable extraction of critical raw materials;
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (ba) (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (ba) (new)
(b a) conversion of coal heating and cooling infrastructure, such as district heating and cooling networks and industrial processes, to renewable heating and cooling alternatives such as geothermal energy;
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (c)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (c)
(c) non-energetic uses and the production of raw materials fromonly from already existing mining wastes and residues from formerly operating coal mines or those in the closure processfrom coal mines in the process of closure, duly assessing that their climate, environmental and health impact is minimised and lower than alternative solutions, in full coherence with the circular economy approach aiming for detoxification of resource stream;
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (d)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point (d)
(d) repurposing of former coal and lignite mines as well as coal-related infrastructure, including power supply services, in line withmines in line with the polluter-pays principle, a climate-neutral and environmentally- friendly transition;
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 4 – paragraph 2 (a) (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 (a) (new)
2 a. The Research Program shall not support projects where the polluter-pays principle applies and where such research is part of the closure/phase out plans of coal mines and of the respective environmental impact assessments, namely projects that envisage the following but not exclusively: (a) mine remediation; (b) perpetual pit water management issues; (c) perpetual polder management, such as water drainage: (d) groundwaters protection measures and purification; (e) constant monitoring of water quality, soil subsidence and other environmental and health indicators; (f) prevention of dust emissions from mining operations.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Issues concerning safety in coal mines in the process of closure and formerly operating coal mines with a view to improving working conditions, occupational health and safety, as well as preventing environmental emissues deleterious to healthions and other pollution issues potentially harmful to health or the environment, shall be taken into account in the projects covering the activities referred to in Articles 4 and 6.
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Research projects shall focus on diseases related to mining activities and its related environmental pressures with the aim of improving the health of people living in coal regions in transition. Research projects shall also ensure protective measures during the closure of mines and in formerly operating mines.;
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – Title
Article 6 – Title
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Research projects shall seek to prevent, and where not technically feasible, minimise the impacts of coal mines in the process of closure and of formerly operating mines on the atmosphere, water and soils. Research shall be geared towards preserving and restoring natural resources for future generations and minimising the environmental impact of coal mines in the process of closure and inof formerly operating mines.
Amendment 57 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (a)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (a)
(a) new and improved technologiesiques beyond current ‘state of the art’ (Best Available Techniques - BAT) standards, to avoid environmental pollution, including methane leakage, at local level of coal mines in the process of closure, formerly operating coal mines and their surroundings (inter alia atmosphere, land, soils and water);
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (b)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (b)
(b) capturing, avoiding and minimising greenhouse gas emissions, in particular methane,avoiding methane emissions from coal depositmines in the process of closure and in formerly operating coal mines;
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (c)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (c)
(c) managing and re-using mining waste, fly ash and desulphurisation products from coal mines in the process of closure and formerly operating coal mines, accompanied, where relevant, by other forms of wastesolutions that provide better implementation of the EU waste hierarchy compared to current practice which would not lead to a transfer of residues, waste or by products of concern and which can demonstrate a substantial benefit against the circular economy and toxic free environment objectives;
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (d)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (d)
(d) refurbishing waste heaps and using industrially residues from coal production and consumptionfrom former coal sites in coal regions in transition;
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (e)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (e)
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (f)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (f)
(f) restoring the environment of former installations or installations that areoperating coal mines or coal mines in the process of closure that used coal, and their surroundings, notably water, land, soils and biodiversity, while respecting the polluter-pays principle;
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (g)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (g)
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (ga) (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point (ga) (new)
(g a) developing a regional concept for diversification of economic activities for local development and the creation of green and quality jobs with an adapted transformation of the employment structure and skills adjustment.
Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Research and technological development (RTD) shall aim to develop, demonstrate and improve near zero-carbon steel production processes with a view to raising product quality, and increasing productivity. Substantially reducing emissions, energy consumption, the carbon footprintvoiding emissions, substantially reducing energy and material consumption and other environmental impacts as well as conserving resources, shall form an integral part of the activities sought. Research projects shall address one or more of the following areas:
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
(a) new and improved breakthrough near zero-carbon iron- and steel-making processes and operations, with particular attention to carbon direct avoidance and/or smart carbon usage, in particular iron- and steelmaking based on hydrogen made from renewable energy sources, and the direct electrification from renewable energy sources of steel production;
Amendment 77 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (c)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (c)
(c) steel process integration and process efficiency in near zero-carbon steel production;
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (d)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (d)
Amendment 79 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (e)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point (e)
(e) techniques for increasing recyclability, recycling and re-use of steel , in particular: improved waste management, upcycling, reverse logistics, processes to decontaminate scrap steel and developing a circular economy;
Amendment 80 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 8 – paragraph 1– point (g)
Article 8 – paragraph 1– point (g)
(g) innovative technologies and solutions for the iron- and steel making processes promofacilitating cross-sectoral activities, synergies, industrial clustering and symbiosis, to enable increased circularity and create or maintain zero- carbon value chains as well as demonstration projects integrating both zero-carbon energyand renewable energy systems and production, or projects contributing to a clean hydrogen economy.renewable based economy, including hydrogen made from renewable energy sources;
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
RTD shall focus on meeting the requirements of steel users to develop new near zero-carbon products and on creating new market opportunities while reducavoiding emissions and limiting environmental impacts. In the context of the technologies referred to in Article 8, research projects shall address one or more of the following areas, with the objective to deliver near zero- carbon steel production processes in the Union:
Amendment 84 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
(a) new advanced zero-carbon primary or recycled steel grades;
Amendment 85 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (b)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (b)
(b) improvement of steel properties such as mechanical and physical properties, suitability for further processing, suitability for various applications and various working conditions, with special attention to recycled steel;
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (c)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (c)
(c) prolonging service life, enabling design for circularity, including modularity, and material efficiency, in particular by improving the resistance of steels, steel structures to heat and corrosion, mechanical and thermal fatigue and/or other deteriorating effects;
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (e)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (e)
Amendment 88 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (f)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point (f)
Amendment 89 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 9 – paragraph 1 –point (g)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 –point (g)
(g) zero emission and high- performance steels for application, in particular light- weight steel for applications in growing sectors like e-mobility and offshore wind, including sustainability, eco-design methods, retrofitting, lightweight design and/or safety solutions.;
Amendment 91 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (a)
(a) techniques for recycling and upcycling of obsolete steel and by-product from various sources and improvement of the quality of steel scrap, with special attention to avoiding downgrading of steel quality due to contamination with other metals (e.g. copper);
Amendment 93 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (d)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (d)
(d) design of steel grades and assembled structures to facilitate the easy recovery of steel for recycling or re-useimproved scrap handling and disassembly at end-of- life, to enable the easy recovery, re-use and recycling of steel and other materials;
Amendment 94 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Amendment 95 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (f)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (f)
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (fa) new
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (fa) new
(f a) improvement of design and/or treatment of waste for an increased recovery and reuse of critical raw materials in steel alloys;
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Decision 2008/376/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (fb) (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point (fb) (new)
(f b) applications of distributed ledger technologies to enable cradle to cradle tracking and enable reverse logistics of steel products.