EnergyFest 2026 - Where expertise meets opportunity
We invite you to register 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...
09.00 - 09.30 | Registration & welcome coffee (Foyer)
09.30 - 09.45 | Opening remarks (Kraakhuis)
By Arne De Keyser - Business Developer EnerGhentIC
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: "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
10.50 - 11.10 | Coffee break & energy fair (Foyer)
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
- Residential case & speaker- to be announced
- Panel debate guided by Gerard Reid & Jan Mertens
12.30 - 13.55 | Network lunch & interactive visit to energy fair (Foyer)
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!
14.00 - 14.45 | Keynote talk: "Grid Congestion as a Governance Challenge: From Market Economy to Planned Economy?" (Kraakhuis)
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.
Speaker: Johan Albrecht - Professor at Ghent University
14.45 - 16.10 | Interdisciplinary brainstorm sessions | 4 thematical break-outs (Break-out rooms)
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
16.15 - 16.45 | Wrap-up brainstorm sessions & closing remarks (Kraakhuis)
By Michel De Paepe - Professor at Ghent University & Chairman of EnerGhentIC & Petra De Sutter, Rector of Ghent University
16.45 - 18.00 | Quiz award ceremony & network reception (Foyer)
Practical
- When: 6 February 2026 | 09.00 - 18.00
- Where: Bijloke site, 9000 Ghent
- Registrations - Click here
- Participation fee: €165 - including access to the full programme, interactive sessions, catering and networking.
PARTNERSHIP
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.
