Smart energy springs into 2026

Judith Rance, Head of Communications and Events at RenewableNI, explains why its flagship conference, Smart Energy, is moving to become a spring event.

Smart Energy will be back with an engaging theme, ‘Developments for Delivering’. This will bring together expert speakers and vital networking but with a fresh venue and date as we spring forward to 26 March 2026.

The new date allows Smart Energy to become a springboard for the year’s energy agenda, setting the tone for the events later in the year. It creates the opportunity for industry to come together and highlight key priorities as government departments are making decisions for the next year’s finances.

With spring seen as a time for growth and renewal, it is a perfect fit for renewable energy and a push for the developments needed to drive delivery.

The agenda for the conference will tackle the key issues head-on with the theme ‘Developments for Delivering’. We are addressing the policy and infrastructure developments needed to restore renewable industry confidence and the ability to achieve the Climate Act 80 per cent target by 2030.

We will set out how to deliver investment and new projects, including the rollout of the renewable energy price guarantee (REPG), development on public land, planning, and grid progress.

Expert panels will debate how we support the supply chain and develop the offshore sector. The human resourcing for renewables will also be considered with a panel on ‘developing people’ discussing green skills and a just transition.

Smart Energy 2026 has been confirmed for 26 March in the Europa Hotel Belfast. The venue should make Smart Energy more appealing to those outside Northern Ireland, delegates can now stay overnight at the venue or benefit from easy travel as we are located beside Belfast’s travel hub Grand Central. Hourly trains to Dublin ensures an all-island networking event.

Building on the success of the previous conferences, Smart Energy 2026 will have a larger exhibition space on the ground floor with delegates checking in at the private entrance there. Networking breakfast and lunch will also be served in the exhibition space.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, as well as exhibition spaces, for those interesting in aligning with the leading voice in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy sector. As a sponsor, you will work directly with our experienced team to deliver a tailored sponsorship package that maximises your visibility and impact at the event.

For more information contact
Judith Rance, RenewableNI

T: +44 7875 681 794
E: Judith.Rance@RenewableNI.com