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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

Speakers

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.

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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. 

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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?"

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Programme

Programme

6 February 2026

09.00 - 18.00

Bijloke site, 9000 Ghent

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09.00 - 09.30  

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Registration & welcome coffee

Foyer

09.30 - 09.45

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Opening remarks

By Arne De Keyser - Business Developer EnerGhentIC

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Kraakhuis

09.45 - 10.00

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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​

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By Jan Mertens - Chief Science Officer at ENGIE & professor at Ghent University

10.00 - 10.45

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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

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By Johan Albrecht - Professor at Ghent University

10.50 - 11.10

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Coffee break & energy fair

Foyer

14.00 - 14.45

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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

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Flash presentations & panel debate: "Accelerating uptake of emerging energy technologies in industrial practice - an end user perspective"

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Kraakhuis

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Get inspired by hands-on examples of companies that dared to take a leap to invest & adopt innovative energy solutions in their daily operations​​

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"Propelling the world's biggest cable-laying vessel with sustainable fuel"

Gunter Servaes - Project Manager Vessel Construction at Jan de Nul

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" 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

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"Defossilizing our urban buildings with heritage value - the Gent ICC case"

Janik Beckers - 51N4E architects

 

Panel debate guided by Gerard Reid​

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12.30 - 13.55

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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!

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Foyer

14.45 - 16.10

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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

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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

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Quiz award ceremony & network reception

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Foyer

Registration

Registrations

Participation fee: €165 — including access to the full programme, interactive sessions, catering and networking.​​

Partners

Our partners

EnergyFest 2026 is supported by our industrial partners. We kindly thank them for their contribution and engagement.

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Throwback to EnergyFest 2024

​Can't wait for the new edition of EnergyFest? Then have a look at the throwback page of our first edition, EnergyFest 2024

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Become a partner

EnergyFest 2026 offers a unique chance to connect with Belgium’s top energy experts, innovators and decision makers.

 

As a partner, you gain visibility, credibility and access, all while engaging directly with the community who are shaping and innovating our energy future

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.

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