The 8th RD20 Conference: Pioneering Clean Energy Innovations in Africa
The upcoming 8th RD20 Conference is scheduled for October 19 to 23, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa. This event marks a historic occasion as it is the first of its kind to take place on the African continent. Organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), this conference benefits from the collaborative efforts of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) from Japan.
Initiating Clean Energy Dialogue
RD20, which stands for Research and Development for Clean Energy Technologies, is an international initiative launched in 2019 under Japanese leadership. Its primary goal is to enhance global research and development collaborations aimed at achieving CO₂ neutrality. The initiative brings together leading research institutions from G20 countries to facilitate knowledge sharing, advance joint research projects, and foster partnerships between industry, academia, and government entities.
The theme for this edition is "Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation From Africa to the World". The conference aims to focus on clean energy technologies and international collaborations, particularly issues pertaining to Africa. This emphasizes the crucial role African nations will play in the global transition toward sustainable energy practices and technologies.
Conference Highlights
The program will kick off on October 19 with a workshop titled "AI for Energy", which will build upon discussions held in a previous workshop in South Korea. Following that, on October 20, plenary sessions will feature talks focused on groundbreaking developments in hydrogen and energy innovation, smart grid technology, the energy transition, and pathways to climate neutrality. Public sessions will explore themes such as "Access to Energy – Innovative Solutions for Africa" and synthetic fuels.
On October 21, a public session on "Critical Minerals for Energy Supply" will take place, followed by an exclusive workshop for members on "Clean Hydrogen and Its Derivatives". The conference will include a "Leaders Session" on October 22, open to the public in the morning, while the afternoon is reserved for member-only discussions. Concluding the event on October 23 will be excursions specifically for members.
Diverse speakers from various esteemed institutions will grace the plenary sessions, including representatives from the South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the University of Corsica/CEA in France, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) from Germany.
Over the course of the event, many sessions will be available online, encouraging global participation and making knowledge accessible beyond physical attendance. This initiative signifies a commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue on clean energy innovation and ensuring diverse participation from academia, industry, and government sectors.
Event Overview
With the world urgently seeking solutions to climate change, the 8th RD20 Conference aims to be a pivotal forum for advancing clean energy dialogues and technologies, showcasing the immense potential of African contributions to global sustainability efforts.
Initiating Clean Energy Dialogue
RD20, which stands for Research and Development for Clean Energy Technologies, is an international initiative launched in 2019 under Japanese leadership. Its primary goal is to enhance global research and development collaborations aimed at achieving CO₂ neutrality. The initiative brings together leading research institutions from G20 countries to facilitate knowledge sharing, advance joint research projects, and foster partnerships between industry, academia, and government entities.
The theme for this edition is "Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation From Africa to the World". The conference aims to focus on clean energy technologies and international collaborations, particularly issues pertaining to Africa. This emphasizes the crucial role African nations will play in the global transition toward sustainable energy practices and technologies.
Conference Highlights
The program will kick off on October 19 with a workshop titled "AI for Energy", which will build upon discussions held in a previous workshop in South Korea. Following that, on October 20, plenary sessions will feature talks focused on groundbreaking developments in hydrogen and energy innovation, smart grid technology, the energy transition, and pathways to climate neutrality. Public sessions will explore themes such as "Access to Energy – Innovative Solutions for Africa" and synthetic fuels.
On October 21, a public session on "Critical Minerals for Energy Supply" will take place, followed by an exclusive workshop for members on "Clean Hydrogen and Its Derivatives". The conference will include a "Leaders Session" on October 22, open to the public in the morning, while the afternoon is reserved for member-only discussions. Concluding the event on October 23 will be excursions specifically for members.
Diverse speakers from various esteemed institutions will grace the plenary sessions, including representatives from the South African Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the University of Corsica/CEA in France, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) from Germany.
Over the course of the event, many sessions will be available online, encouraging global participation and making knowledge accessible beyond physical attendance. This initiative signifies a commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue on clean energy innovation and ensuring diverse participation from academia, industry, and government sectors.
Event Overview
- - Dates: October 19 to 23, 2026
- - Location: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
- - Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)
- - Organizer: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- - Co-Organizer: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- - Registration: For more details and to register, visit the RD20 Conference website at RD20 Conference.
With the world urgently seeking solutions to climate change, the 8th RD20 Conference aims to be a pivotal forum for advancing clean energy dialogues and technologies, showcasing the immense potential of African contributions to global sustainability efforts.
Topics Energy）
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