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About
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Outcomes
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Conference
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Events
Moderator: Dr. Kaven Naidoo, CSIR, South Africa
Ms. Mandy Mlilo, Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), South Africa 
Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Fraunhofer-ISE, Germany 
Dr. Pierre Serre-Combe, CEA, France 
Prof. Philippe POGGI, University of Corsica/CEA, France Session Theme: This session aims to identify priority technology development challenges and catalyze collaborative research across member institutions in the field of energy access. It will focus on practical and scalable solutions that expand reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy services, particularly for underserved and remote communities. Special attention will be given to productive-use technologies for decentralized energy systems that support income generation, agriculture, small enterprises, healthcare, and education. The session will also explore innovations and partnerships to accelerate the deployment of clean cooking technologies, improving health outcomes, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing energy security. Through knowledge exchange and joint action, the session seeks to strengthen cooperation and drive impactful research initiatives among member institutions.
Dr. Christian Thiel, JRC, EU 
Dr. Alekhya Datta, TERI, India (online) 
Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Fraunhofer-ISE, Germany
Dr. Abdelilah Slaoui, CNRS, FranceSession Theme: This session aims to identify key technology development challenges in synthetic fuel production and highlight opportunities for collaborative research across member institutions. Discussions will focus on advancing innovative production pathways, improving process efficiency, reducing costs, and scaling sustainable feedstock and infrastructure solutions. Particular attention will be given to the integration of synthetic fuels with the emerging hydrogen value chain, enabling cleaner industrial processes, transport applications, social readiness level and energy systems. The session seeks to strengthen international cooperation and accelerate the development of a globally competitive synthetic fuels and hydrogen economy.
Dr. Denzil Moodley, Sasol/Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, South Africa Session Theme: This session will explore technologies for the production, use, and recycling of critical minerals, while highlighting key technology development challenges with strong potential for collaborative research across member institutions. Discussions will focus on sustainable extraction and processing methods, circular economy approaches, material recovery and recycling innovations, and strategies to strengthen resilient supply chains.
The session will also examine linkages between critical minerals and sustainable fuel pathways, particularly for aviation and maritime decarbonization, where advanced fuels and enabling technologies are essential. Through international cooperation, the session aims to accelerate innovation and support a secure, sustainable, and competitive clean energy transition.
Dr. Angelique Janse van Rensburg, BMW, Germany