EnergyFest 2026 – From Optimism to Action

On 6th February 2026, over 180 energy professionals gathered under the historic roof of Muziekcentrum De Bijloke for EnergyFest 2026.  What followed was a day filled with striking insights, open dialogue and a shared sense of urgency, but also of opportunity. 

In a world that is certainly not short on energy conferences, EnergyFest set out to be something more than just another event. It aimed to be a platform: 

• A platform where cutting-edge research becomes tangible. 

• A platform where industry frontrunners share real implementation stories. 

• A platform where expertise meets opportunity. 

Keynotes that challenged and connected 

Three keynote speakers set the tone for the day. 

Jan Mertens challenged the audience to think beyond decarbonisation and move towards true defossilisation. His message was clear: we should not lose focus on sustainability. And that the optimists will shape the outcome of the energy transition! 

“Pessimists sound clever, optimists change the world” - Jan Mertens

Johan Albrecht brought energy economics and music together, drawing inspiration from Synchronicity by The Police to illustrate how synchronicity is essential in mastering the rapid transformation of our energy system. Technology, markets and policy must evolve together. Timing matters!

Joining live from Ireland, Gerard Reid called for courage. Europe must dare to reward pioneers, embrace calculated risks and bring research out of the ivory tower towards commercialization. Innovation only creates impact when it is implemented. 

Together, their messages converged around one theme: the opportunity is enormous, but only if we act. 

"The growth opportunity is enormous, but we need to be fast to stay relevant" - Gerard Reid 

Research meets implementation 

EnergyFest 2026 showcased the vibrant research ecosystem of Ghent University | EnerGhentIC, highlighting how energy innovation is taking shape across disciplines and in close collaboration with industry and policy partners. 

The Energy Fair created space for researchers and companies to exchange ideas and explore collaborations. Brainstorm sessions allowed participants to dive deeper into the “make-or-breakers” of the transition, from critical raw materials and supply chains to system integration, market design and societal acceptance. 

Interaction was not a side activity; it was the core of the event. Conversations continued during networking breaks, at the quiz, and well into the reception. 

Celebrating frontrunners 

EnergyFest also put the spotlight on companies and organisations that are already implementing clean technologies today, often navigating regulatory complexity, investment uncertainty and technological risk. 

Their message was realistic but hopeful: transformation is possible across sectors when ambition, company culture and regulatory frameworks align. However, the business case is not always straightforward, requiring some additional push and an ambitious mindset. 

Powered by collaboration

EnergyFest 2026 would not have been possible without strong partners Anglo Belgian Coporation, Atlas Copco & Energised Futures by Centrica. An extra warm thank you to Flux50, our strategic partner and host of the reception, and to North Sea Port, our Power Booster partner. 

Above all, this edition once again demonstrated the strength of the EnerGhentIC community: researchers, industry partners and policymakers coming together with a shared ambition: accelerating the energy transition through knowledge, collaboration and courage. EnergyFest 2026 reaffirmed that while the challenges are complex, the collective expertise, drive and optimism in the room were even greater. 

EnerGhentIC embraces the challenge to further develop the ideas that took root during this edition, and invites everyone who wants to turn ambition into action to reach out. Let’s step up and light the way. Let’s continue to innovate our energy future together. 

In the meantime, look back at some of the presentations of the day and enjoy the pictures of the second edition of EnergyFest (copyright: Tessa Vermeulen)

Presentations

Pictures