EnergyFest 2026
Gent, Belgium
EnergyFest 2026, the second edition of the Ghent University Energy Festival, is an inspiring day with keynotes on the energy transition, dedicated matchmaking and informal networking moments, a fair showcasing UGent's energy expertise, and much more...
Programme
09.00 - 09.30 Registration & welcome coffee
09.30 - 09.45 Opening remarks (Arne De Keyser - Business Developer EnerGhentIC)
09.45 - 10.00 Setting the scene: Defossilisation vs. decarbonisation - the power of understanding. (Jan Mertens - Chief Science Officer at ENGIE & professor at Ghent University)
An introduction to the current state of the energy transition and the role of emerging energy technologies
10.00 - 10.45 Keynote talk: "From Lessons to Leadership: Emerging energy technologies in and for Europe" (Gerard Reid - Leading global expert and financer in the energy sector - co-host of the 'Redefining Energy' podcast)
How can Europe and its technology innovators optimally grasp the opportunities provided by emerging technologies towards a clean energy system while reclaiming a long-term leadership position?
10.50 - 11.10 Coffee break & energy fair
11.15 - 12.30 Flash presentations & panel debate: "Accelerating uptake of emerging energy technologies in industrial practice - an end user perspective". (speakers to be announced; panel debate guided by Gerard Reid & Jan Mertens)
Get inspired by hands-on examples of companies who dared to take a leap to invest & adopt innovative energy solutions in their daily operations.
12.30 - 13.55 Network lunch & interactive visit to energy fair
Witness, discuss and get inspired by the wealth of breakthrough research and innovation on the energy fair & join the 'energy quiz' to win a prize!
14.00 - 14.45 Keynote talk: "Grid Congestion as a Governance Challenge: From Market Economy to Planned Economy?" (Johan Albrecht - Professor at Ghent University)
As waiting lists for grid connection risk growing longer, a hidden transformation occurs: technical decisions about network access become political choices about economic winners and losers
14.45 - 16.10 Interdisciplinary brainstorm sessions | 4 thematical break-outs
Let's join forces & discuss how we can answer some of the 'make-or-break'ers' for the success of the energy transition, guided by an expert in the field
Topics:
- Critical raw materials & supply chains
- Data, AI & Energy
- Industrial transition & competitiveness
- Inclusive & affordable transition
16.15 - 16.45 Wrap-up brainstorm sessions & closing remarks (Michel De Paepe - Professor at Ghent University & Chairman of EnerGhentIC & Petra De Sutter, Rector of Ghent University
16.45 - 18.00 Quiz award ceremony & network reception
Registrations
Participation fee: €165 — including access to the full programme, interactive sessions, catering and networking.
EnergyFest 2026 is organized by EnerGhentIC, the innovation cluster for sustainable energy at Ghent University. The event is also supported by Flux50, the membership organization that helps Flanders gain international recognition as a Smart Energy Region.