The increase of live steam temperature and pressure in new steam power plants is certainly the most effective measure to realize the stipulated CO 2 reduction targets for the conventional power industry. The development of new materials becomes a key challenge on the way forward to a more efficient and sustainable power generation. There are two approaches being followed in materials technology in order to facilitate higher steam temperatures and pressures in the water steam cycle: 1.) The development of new materials. 2.) The use of oxidation resistant coatings on currently available materials with higher creep strength but inferior steam oxidation resistance. Both approaches are currently being followed in several R&D projects worldwide. The development and qualification of coatings is complementary to the development of new materials.The object of the EC funded R&D project SUPERCOAT is the development of new coatings according to the second approach. Eight partners from five European countries participate in the work. SUPERCOAT is the first R&D project of its kind in Europe. This presentation covers the project targets, the efforts carried out while exploring the suitability of coatings for steam turbine components and the actual state of the work. As far as possible, an excerpt from the main results of coating development and lab testing will be presented. Additionally the applied deposition techniques, chosen according to practical criteria will be presented and applicability to certain components will be discussed.