7th RD20 Conference Gathers Global Researchers to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

09/22/2025 3:00 pm

Highlights Include Nobel Laureate Dr. Akira Yoshino, contribution to G20 ETWG (Energy Transition Working Group), and Key Taskforce Reports
TSUKUBA, JAPAN – The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) will host the 7th RD20 (Research and Development 20 for Clean Energy Technologies) Conference from Tuesday, September 30, to Friday, October 3, 2025. This international initiative brings together leading research institutions from G20 countries and regions to accelerate R&D and international collaboration toward achieving a carbon-neutral society. The conference will feature a plenary lecture by Director of Global Zero Emission Research Center (GZR), AIST, Dr. Akira Yoshino and a wide range of sessions, including reports from active taskforces, to foster deeper, multifaceted discussions.
The open sessions for the public will be held on September 30 (Tuesday), October 1 (Wednesday), and the morning of October 3 (Friday).
– Key Highlights: Discussing the expansion of international collaboration thorough RD20
The Leaders Session on the morning of October 3 will feature a keynote address by Nobel Chemistry Laureate and lithium-ion battery pioneer Dr. Akira Yoshino, who will give a plenary lecture about AIST’s activities for Carbon Dioxide Removal and MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification). Adding to the high-profile lineup, Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech of Germany’s Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) will deliver a plenary lecture about green energy research at HZB and innovations through international partnerships.
A key focus of this year’s conference is the Taskforce Activity Reports. The Taskforce aims to achieve research objectives requiring urgent collaboration as RD20 to realize a carbon neutral society: establishing globally consistent Photovoltaic (PV) performance characterization techniques for novel PV devices and disseminating the knowledge to the PV community for further expansion of solar power; and conducting hydrogen Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments (LCSA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to advance its adoption, a globally significant energy carrier. At the conference, the taskforces will present their research activities and outcomes.
In addition, the Technical Sessions (September 30 and October 1) will explore three core carbon neutral technologies: “Synthetic Fuels,” “Energy Storage,” and “AI and Digitalization for Energy.” Experts from 12 countries will delve into technological innovations and the potential for international cooperation in these crucial areas.
– Event Outline
• Dates: September 30 (Tue) – October 3 (Fri), 2025
• Open Sessions: September 30 (Technical Session), October 1 (Technical Session), October 3 AM (Leaders Session)
• Venue: Online and Tsukuba, Japan
• Organized by: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
• Co-Organizers: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Ministry of the Environment (MOE), New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
• Note: The conference is officially certified as a “Theme Weeks Connect” -an official offsite program of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
– Details & Registration: https://rd20.aist.go.jp/conference/ *Advanced registration is due on Friday, Sep. 26th 9:00 JST
– Media Accreditation (Media relations: Friday, Oct. 3, 12:05-12:35): https://forms.gzr.aist.go.jp/m?f=504
– About RD20 Launched in 2019 under Japanese leadership, RD20 is an “initiative” for international research and development aiming to strengthen international collaboration by leading research institutes in G20 countries and regions that develop the world’s most advanced technologies for achieving carbon neutrality.

Contact
RD20 Secretariat,
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
https://rd20.aist.go.jp/contact/
[email protected]