Recommendation from RD20 Early Career Researchers
attending theFirst RD20 Summer School
Prapoutel-Grenoble, France, 2-7 July 2023

When Japan hosted the G20 summit in 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched the RD20
initiative to foster collaboration among key research and development organisations fromacross the G20 in order to accelerate innovation on clean energy technologies and build
international partnerships (https://rd20.aist.go.jp/). The first RD20 conference was organizedin October 2019 in Tokyo, and since then every October (remotely in 2020 and 2021). The next
conference will be held October 4-6 in Fukushima, Japan.
Creating an annual International RD20 Summer School was one of the important
recommendations from the RD20 Leaders Statement that codified the urgency to significantly
increase international collaboration, in order to accelerate Research and Development (R&D)
to enable the clean energy transformation.
For this first edition of the RD20 Summer School held July 2nd to 7th, 2023 in Prapoutel – France,
we were more than 50 early career researchers attending this exceptional event, coming from
5 continents and 15 different G20 countries. Interestingly, we have different backgrounds
ranging from production of renewable energies, energy storage to decarbonization of energy
systems or energy economy. We had lectures from 14 experts on several topics that allows
enhancing our knowledge and increasing our skills. One objective of the school was to set
together a common vision on desirable G20 contributions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
We are all aware that unmitigated climate change will affect the stability of our nations, andbeyond, through severe weather conditions expansion, multiplicity of natural disasters,agriculture losses and economic decline. Our main messages, expectations andrecommendations for actively pursuing carbon neutrality are summarized herein, and include
but are not limited to the need for innovation and our optimism that science and technology
can have significant positive impacts.
From a technological perspective, we would like to highlight three priorities:
 To ensure large-scale deployment of low-carbon technologies while avoiding criticalresource, supply and environmental issues, we recommend more investment in researchand innovation for the development of innovative, cost-effective technologies using ecodesign and environment-friendly manufacturing and recycling processes.

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To limit fossil fuels consumption and related greenhouse gases emissions in many
economic sectors, we propose to adopt a carbon capture, utilization, and storage
framework (CCUS) associated with massive production of renewable energies andreducing agents (for example hydrogen) to convert or store CO2 in valuable materials
and chemicals to create a circular carbon economy.
To meet society decarbonization goals while limiting soil and water contamination, andother environmental impacts, we advocate for monitoring and minimizing impacts ofwaste production, transportation, treatment and utilization, including fostering local
utilization and conversion of waste into low carbon footprint products.

From societal perspectives, we believe that energy sobriety and sustainability should become
part of our common culture and education is the main lever towards this objective:
 Implementing a just and efficient energy transition requires public awareness andacceptance. This requires drastically increasing education and outreach to decision
makers and the general public on topics such as climate change impacts, the role forinnovation and the clean energy transition and the need for more environmental
protection. We recommend developing and making easily available an “Energy andSustainability Literacy” explaining information sources, reformulating problems andadapting presentation layouts for various ages and cultures.
From policy perspectives:
 To promote a “Just Energy Transition” or a “World Inclusive Climate Transition” andovercoming the numerous barriers existing such as differences between local policy
frameworks or restricted movement of people, goods and services, we believe that G20
should promote a global energy justice and inclusion based on transparency, collectiveresponsibility and common actionable regulatory frameworks.
 To facilitate accurate decision making, we recommend to develop and share at theinternational level:− an agreed and common set of parameters and methodologies for evaluating energy
and technology systems by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), levelized cost of energy(LCOE), and energy payback time;− a large access to Harmonized or Universal Footprint Indicators incorporating
greenhouse gas emissions, fossil carbon content and other indicators like land andwater use or toxicity.
This approach, by allowing different regions to evaluate with acknowledged methods
their energy choices according to their specific interests, situation and resources, respects
both, national sovereignty and collective awareness.
 Finally, we consider a coordinated effort to make a global carbon trading system ismandatory to provide an economic environment which incentivizes decarbonization.
Such a system will only be effective so long as there is participation by large carbon
intensive economies. For ease of adoption, it could rely on an existing, well-respected
infrastructure, which most countries already subscribe to, such as the World Trade
Organization (WTO).

Detailed propositions from young researchers ‘groups
1. Carbon Capture and Utilization or Sequestration (CCUS)
The adoption of a carbon capture, utilization, and storage framework (CCUS) will attenuate fossil fuelemissions from many economic sectors. Large-scale adoption of such systems will incentivize CO2
capture by increasing value (demand) and will accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects
to produce value-added chemicals.
The shift towards a carbon economy will require the implementation of CO2 capture technologies ona large scale (point source and direct air capture). In addition, local purification and distribution
networks are required. We propose the mass production of renewable energy and reducing agents tostore CO2 in essential materials and chemicals. Identification of strategic storage locations is needed(oil fields and basalt in the long term).
Failure to implement CCUS programs will have profound impacts on all member of the G20.
Unmitigated climate change will affect the stability of our nations through agriculture losses, severe
weather, economic decline and other natural disasters (for example, ongoing wildfires in Canada). Thisposes real concerns for economic prosperity and national security. CCUS will mitigate damage andreverse climate change in long term.
The success of a carbon economy requires that all G20 nations implement fair and transparent
measurements strategies for CO2 emissions. An accurate carbon accounting and pricing framework
should be developed. Large investments in CCUS infrastructure is needed from all G20 nations andprivate entities.

2. Bioresources and waste utilization
Currently, G20 countries do not handle their waste and bioresources adequately. A better emphasis
must be made on creating low-carbon footprint products out of the waste to meet the decarbonization
goals. The lack of transparency and dialogue among countries, associated to treatment of waste limits
the resource recovery from waste.
Our recommendation to the G20 countries is to develop novel transparent tools and an open database
to monitor waste production, transportation, treatment and utilization to foster reduction and local
utilization of waste.
Waste generation is a persisting issue that will continue to generate greenhouse gas emissions, soiland water contamination and represents a significant loss of potential resources. Our recommendation
will promote collaboration and trust between countries, which will enhance innovative technologicaldevelopment to improve the waste management.
Collective responsibility is essential to implement necessary changes. Governments need to lead theaction by implementing effective policies and nurture an enabling environment to share data, digitize
the waste information, encourage viable business models and optimize waste management efficiency
across the value chain. The implementation of the above actions will enable the closing of local carbon
loops.

3. Energy Efficiency and Sobriety
The cleanest energy is the energy not used. To evaluate our progress in improving energy efficiency
and make informed data-driven decisions, we need comparable data. To achieve this, we needconsensus on indicators and definitions and harmonization of the collected dataset. What could limit
the action is the lack of transparency and lack of involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
The success of the energy transition within the limited timeframe depends on the engagement ofpolicy makers and key industries with a high demand for resources. Future policies need to shift capitalfor innovation and labour into energy efficient and low carbon technologies. Long term investments
into sustainable innovations are necessary to increase the usage of energy efficient technologies forindustries and individuals. As a major contributor to GHG emissions through inefficient use of energy,industries and companies need to be further involved and evaluated based on their compliance withenergy efficiency guidelines.
On an individual level, national governments need to create a legal framework to encourage energy
efficient behaviour within the population. Therefore, to raise acceptance of such policies within thepopulation, it becomes essential to promote the education of future generations through awarenessprograms to create awareness for the need for energy efficient in policies and economic decisions.
Energy sobriety should become a part of our culture and key indicator for the promotion oftechnologies. Furthermore, we recommend the implementation of regular surveys initiated by arepresentative G20 panel for citizens to partake in voluntarily and evaluate the policy framework,
which should facilitate energy efficient and sobriety in all sectors of living

4. Circular Economy Critical Material Awareness and Recycling
We recommend taking action to address the foreseen supply issues of critical materials (and resourcesin general) that are essential for low-emission energy production, storage, and decarbonization
technologies. While we currently might have enough resources, it is crucial to conduct research on
design of processes, components, and systems that allow recycling of critical materials, and to ensurethat readiness of such technologies is at the commercialization level within the next five years.
We suggest investing in research and development for cost-effective and environment-friendly
recycling processes. Financial incentives should be introduced to encourage industries to adopt largescale recycling. Standardization of technologies should be established in parallel, and regulations
should be enforced on the disposal of critical materials to facilitate effective waste management andsubsequent recycling. These efforts will help mitigate the costs associated with transitioning to acircular economy.
Mindful extraction and sustainable consumption of critical materials should be emphasized. Thisrequires educating society, particularly the younger generations, and launching social campaigns toraise public awareness. Besides, eco-design and sustainable manufacturing need to be accelerated toallow for careful consumption of critical materials.
It is crucial for all G20 countries to unite and support the circular economy by implementing policies,investing in research and development for recycling critical materials, and fostering social awarenessof sustainable consumption. Additionally, inter-country collaborations should be encouraged andfacilitated to expedite the implementation of these initiatives.

5. Environmental Awareness and Harmonized Footprint Indicators
Promoting environmental awareness and carbon footprints are crucial for climate change mitigation,
but current methodologies lack consistency and transparency, leading to inaccurate decision-making.
To overcome these challenges and facilitate a rapid transition to net-zero emissions, we propose theACT (Action, Consistency, and Transparency) Framework.
 The Action pillar of ACT acknowledges communities’ rights to environmental health andsustainability. It is based on the principle that all communities are entitled to environmental
human rights and may therefore demand legal action in response to environmental healthviolations.
 The Consistency pillar strongly support the ongoing development of guidelines for a single,
universal environmental footprint, encompassing the global economy including high-pollution
industries. These international guidelines should allow standardizing calculations, scope, anddata considerations, incorporating both greenhouse gas emissions and other indicators likewater use and toxicity.
 The Transparency pillar emphasizes public awareness and access to footprint calculations,data, and results, complemented by educational materials.
Implementing ACT will involve, in addition to expert panels defining relevant baselines for evaluating
environmental footprint and sustainability, an independent international agency to conduct
footprinting and enforcement. Regular revision of guidelines will ensure alignment with the latest
scientific knowledge. Despite participation challenges, ACT is an opportunity to globally harmonize
footprint indicators, fostering real climate action for a sustainable and equitable future.

6. Sustainable Energy Mix
Achieving a sustainable energy mix, to meet energy demand whilst minimizing carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions, requires the evaluation and implementation of different energy sources and technologies
depending upon their economic feasibility, social acceptability, and negative environmental impacts.
To facilitate global efforts to minimize CO2 emissions, it is recommended that the G20 establish an
agreed set of parameters for the evaluation of energy technology systems by life cycle assessment(LCA), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) methodologies. LCA evaluates the environmental impact ofenergy systems from production to end of life disposal whilst LCOE allows for a comparison of costassociated with energy generation over the lifetime of a project.
Agreement regarding appropriate parameters and correct processes for evaluation technologies based
upon LCA and LCOE would provide a framework for the evaluation and comparison of theenvironmental and financial costs associated with different sustainable energy technologies.
Furthermore, we recommend that policymakers in each nation legislate the agreed upon LCA and LCOE
parameters, making them legally binding with respect to their jurisdictions.
Implementing this proposal would provide a clear direction for sustainable energy development andallow nations the freedom to choose their energy mix based on local factors, within the framework of
the agreed assessments. This approach respects national sovereignty and recognizes that different
regions may have specific interests and resources that influence their energy choices.

To facilitate transparency and accountability, the empowerment of a new or existing independent
body to audit national LCA and LCOE assessments is recommended. This independent auditing body
would provide oversight and verification of the assessments made by individual nations and entities
operating within them, enhancing credibility and trust in the evaluation process.
Regular review LCA and LCOE targets for sustainable energy systems is also recommended due toongoing development regarding, evolving technologies, scientific understanding, and global emission
reduction goals. Such a dynamic approach allows for adjustments and improvements over time,ensuring that the energy mix continues to align with the objective of reducing global emissions.

7. Capacity Building and Education
Implementing a just and efficient energy transition to mitigate climate change requires to drasticallyincreasing public awareness and education of next generations on fundamental topics such asenvironmental protection utility and climate change impacts. To do so we recommend to develop
and make easily available an “Energy and Sustainability Literacy” in order to share knowledge
about the entire process which stays upstream the energy consumption phase, knowing how
human activities and natural systems interact. The production of such a Literacy needs to explain
information sources, to reformulate problems and to adapt presentation layouts for various ages
and cultures. Specific attention should be given to analysing demographic data and to personalize
messages accordingly (for example visually engaging content for younger people, clear, concise
text for older ones).

We believe this approach is important because it can enhance the effectiveness of educational
materials and increase engagement among different age groups and cultures.

8. World Inclusive Climate Transition
There are various barriers to the World Inclusive Climate Transition (WICT) that can also be called Just
Energy Transition. They include: policy frameworks, and restricted movement of people, goods andservices. To overcome them, the WICT should focus on global energy justice and inclusion while taking
into account context and providing nuanced solutions. These solutions include:1) cooperation and facilitating the movement of people, goods and services;2) including all stakeholders throughout the decision-making process;3) accounting for the diverse physical and human characteristics of different jurisdictions;4) engagement with the concerns and proposed solutions from diverse regions;5) making resources (e.g. finance, skills, & technologies) available;
6) codifying these objectives into actionable regulatory frameworks.
Without actionable policy, law, and regulation there will not be meaningful action. Moreover, unlessresources are shared there will not be an inclusive energy transition. A climate solution that works only
for the G20 countries won’t work to address global climate change. Neither will focusing solely on theG20 priorities necessarily achieve the G20 objectives. We recommend the G20 expand the remit of theG20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) establish into a World Inclusive Climate Transition Body
to enact the proposed solutions by:

i.
ii.
iii.

creating fora for engagement with stakeholders;creating a just energy transition fund; andreviewing existing legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks.

9. RD20 statement on carbon trade
Regional carbon markets do not have the necessary global impact to provide an economic environment
which incentivizes decarbonization. A coordinated effort to make a global carbon trading system isneeded. It will be critical to develop international standards and an agreed-upon carbon pricing
mechanism, including independent monitoring, verification, and coordination. In addition, such asystem must be able to set a global price for GHG emissions. To increase the attractiveness of adopting
a trade system, a mechanism to stabilize the carbon price should be put in place. Further, such a system
is only effective so long as there is participation by large, carbon intensive economies. For example, atariff system, based on the carbon intensity of exported goods by a country, can be levied to promoteparticipation in a global carbon market. For ease of adoption, we believe standards should be amended
to an existing, well-respected infrastructure which most countries already subscribe to, such as theWorld Trade Organization (WTO) utilizing the general agreement of trades and tariffs (GATT). Enacting
such a system will accelerate innovation, adoption, and investment into decarbonization technologies,and protect the world against non-participation of large economies in the energy transition.