Promoting Innovation Excellence in Transformation of Coal Regions to Climate-Neutral, Thriving Economies

Project Information

COALition

Grant agreement ID: 101087022

DOI

10.3030/101087022

EC signature date 15 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

€ 4 489 753,75

EU contribution

€ 4 489 753,75

Coordinated by

ETHNIKO KENTRO EREVNAS KAI TECHNOLOGIKIS ANAPTYXIS
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - COALition (Promoting Innovation Excellence in Transformation of Coal Regions to Climate-Neutral, Thriving Economies)

Reporting period: 2024-04-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The COALition project supports the EU’s sustainable energy transition by targeting coal-dependent regions (Western Macedonia–GR, Centru–RO, Southeastern–BG). Aligned with the EU Green Deal, it addresses the socioeconomic challenges caused by coal industry decline through strategies that promote innovation, economic diversification, and social cohesion.
During the reporting period, a Joint R&I Strategy was developed and validated through regional analyses, stakeholder consultations, and evidence-based planning, identifying shared priorities such as renewable energy integration, energy storage, smart grids, and climate adaptation. 3 R&I pilot projects—Integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) (PV) in terrestrial habitats (TENTER, SE-BG), Electrification of Agriculture using RES (PV) (CA, WM-GR), and Transformation and Storage of RES, (solar into heat, into electricity) (ORCS, C-RO)—demonstrated technical viability, environmental benefits, and scalability, supported by Life Cycle Assessments, and publications.
Also, a unified methodology was created for a Joint Action Plan (JAP) to define regional actions, ensure alignment with national policies, and engage stakeholders through policy dialogues, including flagship initiatives such as energy communities and SME-focused measures. Furthermore, a methodology for selecting 30 high-impact pilot and demonstration projects was established, evaluating strategic relevance, environmental impact, scalability, and integration potential across 4 thematic areas: clean energy, efficiency, digital technologies, and inclusive transition.
The project strengthened workforce and ecosystem capacity through online courses, workshops, vocational training, staff mobility, innovation missions, and coaching. A labor market survey shaped 16 thematic training modules, with 638 participants completing courses and over 200 individuals engaged in hands-on training in renewable energy, digital tools, and entrepreneurship. Staff exchanges and innovation missions promoted knowledge transfer and fostered quadruple helix collaboration, building strong regional innovation networks. Complementary actions, including a visual identity, online platform, and active social media presence, enhanced outreach and engagement. The initiatives built a strong foundation for a sustainable and resilient transition in coal-dependent regions by advancing planning, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1 focused on designing and validating the Joint R&I Strategy, defining objectives, principles, and frameworks, conducting comparative analyses of regional contexts, and drafting the strategy with input from 30 stakeholder interviews. Regional innovation ecosystems were mapped, over 87 out of 360 stakeholders identified, and the first round of consultation workshops engaged 59 participants to validate the strategy and ensure alignment with local needs and EU priorities.

WP2 generated evidence to support the strategy by implementing three pilot R&I projects— Integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) (PV) in terrestrial habitats - in Bulgaria, Electrification of Agriculture using RES (PV) in Greece, and Transformation and Storage of RES, (solar into heat, into electricity) - ORCS in Romania—evaluating their technical performance, environmental impact, and scalability. Life Cycle Assessments confirmed substantial carbon savings, while operational data, prototypes, and publications demonstrated their technical viability, transferability, and relevance for future commercialization.

WP3 created a Joint Action Plan (JAP) for the three coal regions, offering a unified method to define regional actions, align them with national policies, and engage stakeholders via workshops, feedback, and policy dialogues. It established a common framework for consistency, prepared flagship actions linking strategy to investment, and conducted policy dialogues that mapped decision-makers, involved authorities, and produced policy support documents. This strengthened partner involvement, connected with EU-level initiatives, and embedded the JAP within Just Transition and decarbonization efforts.

WP4 developed a methodology to select 30 high-impact pilot and demonstration projects, assessing their strategic relevance, environmental impact, scalability, and integration potential within regional energy systems. The projects were organized into four thematic clusters—clean energy, efficiency, digital technologies, and inclusive transition. Work also began on defining technical requirements and cost specifications.

WP5 strengthened workforce and ecosystem capacity through online courses, workshops, vocational training, staff mobility, innovation missions, and ecosystem coaching. A qualitative labor market survey informed about the creation of 16 thematic training modules, with over 800 participants engaged in-person and online learning. Additionally, staff mobility, innovation missions, and coaching enhanced quadruple helix collaboration, knowledge transfer, and regional innovation networks.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The 3 R&I projects introduced novel applications of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies: Integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) (PV) in terrestrial habitats - TENTER in Bulgaria, Electrification of Agriculture using RES (PV)- CA in Greece, and Transformation and Storage of RES, (solar into heat, into electricity) - ORCS in Romania. These approaches improved energy efficiency and sustainability and provided replicable models for integrating clean energy into non-traditional sectors.
The project strengthened methodological and strategic practices by linking R&I pilots with regional planning, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development. Through the Joint R&I Strategy and Joint Action Plan, it applied evidence-based prioritization, quadruple helix collaboration, and TRL-based planning to ensure alignment with EU, national, and regional policies. By combining pilot data, Life Cycle Assessments, and stakeholder validation, it built a holistic framework for scaling sustainable energy solutions, advancing inclusive socio-economic development, and fostering ecosystem-driven innovation—achievements that surpass existing regional transition efforts.