With just five weeks to go, RenewableNI is preparing to welcome business leaders, investors, policymakers and energy innovators to Smart Energy, taking place on Thursday 26 March 2026 at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

Smart Energy is Northern Ireland’s premier renewable electricity conference, growing year on year and attracting Executive Ministers, senior policymakers, CEOs of international companies and industry leaders.

This year’s theme, “Developments for Delivering” focuses on the reforms and infrastructure required to turn renewable ambition into energy delivery and achieve the 80 per cent renewable electricity generation target by 2030.

While final design of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) has been published by the Department for the Economy, the sector is waiting for publication of the T&Cs.  REPG is key to unlocking inward investment and energy security.  At Smart Energy we discuss how to ensure the timelines are in place, and how to maximise the success, for the first auction.

With the first auction round expected in Q1 2027, businesses across Northern Ireland’s renewable supply chain – from construction, engineering and legal services to manufacturing, logistics and professional services – will gain insights into upcoming opportunities for growth.  The Supporting the Supply Chain panel, featuring The National Wealth Fund,

Key Smart Energy topics for 2026

This year’s Smart Energy agenda brings together leading experts to address the most important issues shaping NI’s energy and economic future, including:

• Grid investment and infrastructure reform;
• Developing Northern Ireland’s offshore wind industry;
• Ensuring the supply chain capacity needed for delivery.

Northern Ireland’s Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, is confirmed as the keynote speaker, joining industry leaders, senior civil servants and technical experts for a full day of panel discussions and networking.

Mark Richardson, RenewableNI Director said: “With just over a year until the Assembly elections, urgent progress on the REPG scheme is critical. At Smart Energy we will bring together industry and key decision makers to discuss the concrete actions needed to turn bold policy ambition into reality.”

Networking at Smart Energy

Smart Energy 2026 includes an exclusive networking reception the evening before in Amelia Hall, as well a drink reception immediately after the conference in the exhibition space and business lunch.  All included in the ticket price, this ensures plenty of time for delegates to discuss the key topics and mingle with speakers and sponsors.

Smart Energy highlights the role of Women in Renewables and will include a dedicated area to connect with those who gained the Women in Renewable Mentoring course or received the free mentoring.  The ‘Leading by Example’ session before lunch shines a spotlight on the role models in the sector.

Registration

Demand for Smart Energy continues to grow, and attendance is expected to exceed previous years. Registration is open now via the Smart Energy section of the website.