Jakarta, 7-13 July 2024: Launched in 2019, RD20 – Research and Development 20 – is an initiative for international research and development aimed at strengthening global collaboration through leading research institutes in G20 countries and regions. These institutes focus on developing the world’s most advanced technologies for achieving carbon neutrality. In support of the G20 Brazil presidency, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) of Japan collaborated to host the RD20 Summer School 2024 in Jakarta on 7-13 July 2024. This intensive one-week programme brought together a cohort of twenty promising young researchers and ten senior experts from G20 countries to explore the critical challenges and opportunities presented by the global energy transition.

Centred around the theme of 'Diversity of Knowledge on Decarbonisation in Just Energy Transition Mechanism,' the summer school offered a comprehensive exploration of sustainable energy solutions. Young researchers and senior experts engaged in a rich curriculum encompassing topics such as:

1. Sustainable Energy Transitions: Understanding the complexities of shifting towards cleaner energy sources while ensuring equitable access and affordability.
2. Circular Economies: Exploring innovative approaches to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency in the energy sector.
3. Smart Grids: Investigating the role of advanced technologies in optimising energy distribution and the integration of renewable energy sources.
4. Artificial Intelligence in Energy: Harnessing the power of AI to enhance energy efficiency, grid management, and renewable energy forecasting.
5. Solar Energy Development: Identifying potential and challenges in expanding solar energy adoption across diverse geographical and socio-economic contexts.

Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Senior Research Fellow for Innovations, led a thematic presentation and discussion on Carbon Feedstock, Carbon Sink, Carbon Market, and Price on 11 July 2024. He explained the crucial role of carbon markets in incentivising businesses and industries to reduce their carbon footprint. Carbon markets allow companies to trade carbon credits, representing verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. As demand for these credits in G20 countries grows, it drives investment in clean technologies and renewable energy sources, he emphasised.

The participants engaged in an interactive discussion on the future integration of fragmented carbon markets, recognising their importance in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. By creating financial incentives for clean energy projects, carbon markets can help scale up renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and foster innovation, the participants agreed.

Beyond lectures and thematic workshops, the RD20 Summer School in Jakarta fostered a dynamic environment for collaboration on new research studies. Participants had the opportunity to engage in new project formulations, aided by site visits to leading energy companies, research institutions, and pilot projects in Indonesia.

By bringing together diverse perspectives from different countries, the programme facilitated cross-cultural learning and fostered a global community dedicated to addressing energy challenges. The next RD20 summit will be held from 2–6 December 2024 in New Delhi, hosted by the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a member of the Energy Research Institute Network (ERIN).