EnergyFest 2026
Where expertise meets opportunity
We invite you to save the date for EnergyFest 2026, the second edition of our Ghent University Energy Festival - an inspiring day with keynotes on the energy transition, dedicated matchmaking and informal networking moments, a fair showcasing the UGent energy expertise,
and much more...
06.02.2026

Meet our keynote speakers

GERARD REID
Leading global expert and financier. Advisor. Author. Podcast maker.
Gerard Reid is a leading global expert and financier in the energy transition space. A trusted authority, advisor and published author, with a following of more than 150k across several platforms, he is co-host of the highly acclaimed and award-wining “Redefining Energy” podcast, which explores how Finance, Technology, Innovation, Markets and Regulations are radically redefining the world of energy. He is also member of the leadership team of the Energy Transition Forum, a leading think tank focused on decarbonisation, and is co-member of numerous businesses.

JAN MERTENS
Chief Science Officer ENGIE - Professor Ghent University
Jan Mertens is Chief Science Officer at ENGIE, where he's leading the company’s long-term scientific and technological strategy in support of the energy transition. Jan is also the lead author of ENGIE's yearly report "Emerging Sustainable Technologies". Alongside his role in industry, he is a visiting Professor at Ghent University and was recently appointed to the World Economics Forum's Global Future Council on the Human Science of Environment Action.

JOHAN ALBRECHT
Professor of Economics at Ghent University and senior fellow of Itinera Institute
Johan Albrecht is Professor of Energy and Environmental Economics at Ghent University, where his work focuses on energy policy, climate economics and the societal dimensions of the energy transition. With a strong background in economic analysis and public policy, he contributes to the debate on how energy systems can evolve in a way that is both economically sound and socially responsible. Johan is author of several books, among which 'Klimaatneutraal in 2050?"

Programme
6 February 2026
09.00 - 18.00
Bijloke site, 9000 Ghent
​
09.00 - 09.30
|
Registration & welcome coffee
Foyer
09.30 - 09.45
|
Opening remarks
By Arne De Keyser - Business Developer EnerGhentIC
​
Kraakhuis
09.45 - 10.00
|
Setting the scene: Defossilisation vs. decarbonisation - the power of understanding​​​
Kraakhuis
​​​An introduction to the current state of the energy transition and the role of emerging energy technologies​

By Jan Mertens - Chief Science Officer at ENGIE & professor at Ghent University
10.00 - 10.45
|
Keynote talk: "Grid Congestion as a Governance Challenge: From Market Economy to Planned Economy?"
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
Kraakhuis

By Johan Albrecht - Professor at Ghent University
10.50 - 11.10
|
Coffee break & energy fair
Foyer
14.00 - 14.45
|
Keynote talk: "From Lessons to Leadership: Emerging energy technologies in and for Europe"​​
Kraakhuis
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?​

By Gerard Reid - Leading global expert and financer in the energy sector - co-host of the 'Redefining Energy' podcast
11.15 - 12.30
|
Flash presentations & panel debate: "Accelerating uptake of emerging energy technologies in industrial practice - an end user perspective"
​​​
​
​
​
Kraakhuis



Get inspired by hands-on examples of companies that dared to take a leap to invest & adopt innovative energy solutions in their daily operations​​
​
"Propelling the world's biggest cable-laying vessel with sustainable fuel"
Gunter Servaes - Project Manager Vessel Construction at Jan de Nul
​
" Rolling out Belgium's largest electric truck fleet"
Joakim Van Gasse - Head of Facility at Eutraco
" The future of heat in a circular energy-intensive industry"
Philippe Alboort - Manager Business Development & Strategic partnerships at Arcelor Mittal
​
"Defossilizing our urban buildings with heritage value - the Gent ICC case"
Janik Beckers - 51N4E architects
Panel debate guided by Gerard Reid​
​

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 our 'energy quiz' to win a prize!
​
Foyer
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:
1. Critical raw materials & supply chains
2. Data, AI & Energy
​3. Industrial transition & competitiveness
4. Inclusive & affordable transition
Break-out rooms
16.15 - 16.45
|
Wrap-up brainstorm sessions & closing remarks
By Michel De Paepe - Professor at Ghent University & Chairman of EnerGhentIC
& Petra De Sutter, Rector of Ghent University
Kraakhuis
16.45 - 18.00
|
Quiz award ceremony & network reception
​
Foyer
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.






