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Programme (ECSC) "pilot and demonstration projects in the iron and steel industry", 1983-1987

 
Details on the establishment of the 1983-1988 steel demonstration programme were published in the "Communication on the granting of financial support for 'pilot' and/or 'demonstration' projects in the iron and steel industry pursuant to Article 55 of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community" (Official Journal No C 81 of 24.3.1983).

Based on Article 55 of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), this first programme of pilot and demonstration projects complemented the steel research activities outlined in the medium-term guidelines for technical steel research, 1981-1985 (Official Journal No C 99 of 2.5.1981).

The pilot stage is characterized by the construction, operation and development of an installation having an adequate capacity and using suitable large components. Its aim is to verify the practicability of a theoretical or laboratory concept and/or to improve the reliability of the technical and economic data needed to progress to the demonstration stage, and, in certain cases, to the industrial and/or commercial stage.

The demonstration stage is characterized by the construction and/or operation of an industrial-scale installation or of a significant part of such an installation capable of providing all the technical and economic data needed to proceed with the least possible risk to the commercial and/or industrial exploitation of the technology.
To establish the feasibility of innovative technologies in steel research through pilot and/or demonstration projects up to the operational stage.
- Sintering and pelletizing;

- Use of coke and its products in the steel industry;

- Blast furnace and direct reduction;

- Oxygen and electric steelmaking;

- Casting and solidification;

- Working of steel (furnaces, hot and cold rolling);

- Treatment of semi- finished and finished products and by-products;

- Use and promotion of steel.
The Commission was responsible for the implementation of the programme. A committee of qualified experts chaired by a Commission representative advised the Commission on the eligibility of the projects submitted.

Any firm, research institute or other body established in a Member State and having an activity related to iron and steel could apply to the Commission for financial aid. Preference was given to projects submitted by at least two partners in two different member countries. One of the partners had to be a steel company. Applications had to be submitted before 1 November each year for the coming financial year.

Community financial support did not normally exceed 50% of the total cost of the project. The amount of support was decided for each project on the basis of the project's characteristics, its value to the Community, other aid received or expected and the amount of risk accepted by its proposers. This support was in the form of financial aid, up to 50% of which was repayable in the event that the results of the project were exploited commercially.