Hosted at the historic Transfo site in Zwevegem, a former coal-fired power plant, this event takes place where past and future energy systems meet.
The site hosts the RE/SOURCED DC grid, one of Europe’s first operational low-voltage DC distribution grids, serving as a living lab to validate DC technologies and address challenges in design, protection, and standardization.
In this unique environment, we host a three-day international event bringing together experts from industry, academia, and policy to exchange insights and shape the future of DC in Europe.
The programme features keynote contributions from leading figures in DC technologies, alongside many other renowned speakers.
13-15 October 2026
Transfo site Zwevegem, Belgium
Why join?
Gain first-hand insights into the evolving DC landscape, from design and standardization to deployment and policy developments.
Interact with leading experts across industry, academia, and government, and explore real-world applications,
including a guided visit to the RE/SOURCED low-voltage DC grid.
RE/SOURCED: DC IN PRACTICE
A unique DC grid on a historic industrial site
A living lab for validating DC technologies
Insights into design, operation and deployment challenges and solutions
INTERACTIVE SESSIONS
Interactive breakout sessions tackling
key challenges in depth
Interactive exchange on DC research,
with contributions from academia
Expert panel discussion on future directions for DC grids
TECHNICAL INSIGHTS
The growing importance of DC in future energy systems
Keynotes on DC applications, protection and datacenters
Tools and methods for DC system design and protection
REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS & ECOSYSTEM
European DC pilot projects across industry,
datacenters and microgrids
Standardization progress and developments in
emerging DC ecosystems
Exhibition of leading DC technologies industry
PROGRAM
13.00 - 13.15 |
Introduction
Jan Desmet - Ghent University
13.15 - 15.15 |
From Edison to the energy transition: the comeback of DC power
DC in future power systems beyond voltage levels
The role of HVDC in a renewable and interconnected Europe
MVDC for large-scale renewable integration: Towards resilient & efficient systems
LVDC as an efficient & sustainable solution for future distribution systems
Rik De Doncker - RWTH Aachen
Dirk Van Hertem - ETCH
Vincent Debusschère - G2ELAB - Grenoble
Hakim Azaioud - Ghent University
15.15 - 15.45 |
Coffee break - Exhibition
15.45 - 17.00 |
Strategic visions about DC grid
The second grid: LVDC as a backbone for local electrification
Could DC become a strategic pillar of Europe's energy transition?
DSO vision on the future development of DC grids
Harry Stokman - DC Expert
Eric Lecomte - EU Commission WG on DC
TBC - eDSO
17.00 - 18.00 |
RE/SOURCED DC grid presentation: a multifaceted perspective
What does RE/SOURCED teach us about turning heritage into a circular, DC-powered energy district?
Dominiek Vandewiele - Leiedal (BE)
Designing the DC Backbone: Technical insights & lessons learned from RE/SOURCED
DSO Perspective on DC Grids: Insights from the RE/SOURCED project
Brecht Caers - Ghent University
Peter De Pauw - Fluvius (Flemish DSO)
18.00 - 19.30 |
Exhibition & Drink
PRACTICAL
VENUE
Set along the Kortrijk–Bossuit canal in West Flanders, Transfo Zwevegem is one of Belgium’s most remarkable industrial heritage sites.
Once a historic power plant, the venue has been carefully transformed while preserving its impressive machinery, raw steel structures and monumental architecture. The result is a unique setting where industrial history meets contemporary design, creating an inspiring atmosphere that feels both authentic and unforgettable. With its iconic Machine Hall, waterside surroundings and striking architectural details, Transfo offers an event experience far beyond a standard conference venue.
HOW TO GET THERE
Address: Transfostraat 3-15, 8550 Zwevegem
Transfo is centrally located in West Flanders, near Kortrijk and easily accessible by international travel, public transport and car.
For international participants, the closest airports are Brussels Airport, Lille Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, all offering convenient onward train or car connections to the venue.
By train, the easiest route is via Kortrijk Railway Station, which has direct connections to Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp and Lille; from there, Transfo can be reached by taxi or local transport in approximately 15 minutes.
Participants arriving by car can easily access the site via the E17 motorway. The main entrance and parking access are located at Blokellestraat 113B, Zwevegem, with ample on-site parking available at P1 and P2.
Shuttle buses between Kortijk (hotel locations) and the venue location will be available
HOTELS
Kortrijk is the closest city to the venue, with an ample choice of accommodation. We do recommend one of these two hotels, since the event offers shuttle buses between both hotels and the Transfo event site.
PARKHOTEL
IBIS HOTEL
REGISTRATION
More information on registration coming soon...
ORGANISERS
This event is organised by Ghent University EnSy/Lemcko & EnerGhentIC
