Program
Tentative Program of the 8th RD20 Conference 2026 (As of August 20)
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Timetable of Technical Session (TS)

October 20, 9:00-17:10 (SAST, UTC+2)

Time
9:00-10:50TS plenary : High Level Talks on Clean Energy Technologies
Moderators:
・Dr. Kaven Naidoo, CSIR, South Africa
・Additional Moderator (TBD)

Presenters (tentative):
・Ms. Mandy Mlilo, Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), South Africa
DSTI Hydrogen & Energy Research, Development and Innovation Initiatives
・Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Fraunhofer-ISE, Germany
Pathways to Climate Neutrality Through Renewables and Decarbonized Fossil Energy
・Dr. Pierre Serre-Combe, CEA, France
Low Carbon Energy mix challenge and balance with RE for countries operating or considering Low-Carbon Energy Technologies
・Prof. Philippe POGGI, University of Corsica/CEA, France
Research, Businesses and Innovation in Overseas Territories: Smart Grids and Energy Transition
11:15-14:15TS #1: Energy Access—Innovative Solutions for Africa
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.
Moderators
・Dr. Kittessa Roro, CSIR, South Africa
・Dr. Christian Thiel, JRC, EU (tentative)
Speakers
・Mr. Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, South Africa
・Dr. Tetra Yanuariadi, ITTO, Japan
・Prof. Nico Fischer, University of Cape Town, South Africa
・Dr. Christian Thiel, JRC, EU
・Dr. Alekhya Datta, TERI, India
This list includes only a selection of confirmed speakers and is subject to change.
14:15-17:10TS #2: Synthetic Fuels
Session 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.
Moderators
・Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Fraunhofer-ISE, Germany
・Dr. Abdelilah Slaoui, CNRS, France
Speakers
・Dr. Lucero Cobos-Becerra, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, Germany
・Dr. Denzil Moodley, Sasol/Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, South Africa
・Dr. Yuichi Manaka, AIST, Japan
・Mr. Robert Szolak, Fraunhofer-ISE, Germany
・Dr. Prima Zuldian, BRIN, Indonesia
This list includes only a selection of confirmed speakers and is subject to change.

October 21, 9:00-12:40 (SAST, UTC+2)

Time
9:00-12:40TS #3: Critical Minerals for Energy
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.

Moderators
・Dr. Jamie Speirs, University of Strathclyde/UKERC, UK
・Additional Moderator (TBD)
Speakers
・Dr. Angelique van Rensburg, BMW, Germany
・Dr. Jamie Speirs, University of Strathclyde/UKERC, UK
・Dr. Stéphanie Riché, CEA, France
・Mr. Souvik Bhattachary, TERI, India
This list includes only a selection of confirmed speakers and is subject to change.