Proposals should address at least four of the following points:

• De-risk and extend operational windows of low CO2 iron- and steel making technologies considering system-level scenarios;
• Target the heterogeneity of available reductants and feedstock materials, their different physical states and the mixed use of them. In this context, the sustainability of the process to produce them should be considered, along with the requirements for various grades of purity;
• Achieve high-quality steel products characterised by increased tolerances of contents of contaminants, originating from low quality raw materials. Adapt the micro-structure and control application-specific properties by acting on material preparation, processes and process technologies. Include the development of detection/measurement systems and multi-scale models as needed;
• Analyse, micro- and/or nano-characterise, and compare low-carbon production of liquid iron and/or crude steel combining the use of direct reduced iron (DRI) with varying qualities and raw materials from primary and secondary sources to push for closing material cycles;
• Couple the analysis with needs for plant design optimisation and measures to mitigate risks during operation;
• Define pre-processing needs of primary and secondary iron containing materials for iron and steelmaking targeting low environmental impact. Analyse the effects on the production process and product metallurgy;
• Consider analytical research infrastructures. Data should be supporting simulations- and modelling needs in line with FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability) principles. Interoperability of data sharing should be addressed;
• Consider effects of solutions indicated in the outcomes of the proposed project on specific regional or country level conditions, including cross-sectorial scenarios, such as energy availability, water use and recovery of water and other resources from the steelmaking process to use in other industrial sectors and vice versa, where applicable;
• Use tools such as, but not limited to, life cycle assessment (LCA) or life cycle costing (LCC) to create benchmarks for progress measurement towards carbon neutrality;
• Aim at taking advantage of pilot plants in Europe to create correlations between real-world processes and laboratory-based research.

Multidisciplinary research activities should address at least one of the following:

• Introduce sensors or develop new ones, especially able to work in very high temperature environments. They may include a soft and integrated set of sensors. Use fast digital techniques for data collection, processing and analysis. Develop enhanced models with different levels of resolution and integrate Machine Learning (ML)/AI for comprehensive understanding of process mechanisms;
• Use input from finalised/ongoing research in heat recovery via heat exchange technologies that could contribute to reduction of external energy use;
• Develop concepts for on-site hydrogen production techniques at very low cost.

Proposals submitted under this topic should include a business case and exploitation strategy, for at least one process route, as outlined in the introduction to this Destination. If more than one process route is part of the project, the selection of the preferred one should be duly justified.

Additionally, a strategy for skills development to target innovative solutions should be presented, associating social partners when relevant.

The actions should envisage clustering activities with other projects funded under this topic. Cross-projects co-operation should include consultations and joint activities on cross-cutting issues and share of results not bound to intellectual property, as well as participating in joint meetings and communication events. To this end proposals should foresee a dedicated work package.