More than 900 delegates including industry leaders, policymakers, installers, manufacturers and innovators came together at the Adelaide Convention Centre for Smart Energy South Australia 2026, reaffirming South Australia’s position at the forefront of Australia’s smart energy future.
Hosted by the Smart Energy Council on the 30th of June at Adelaide Convention Centre, the one-day conference and exhibition brought together every part of the smart energy ecosystem in South Australia to explore the policies, technologies and partnerships shaping the state’s next chapter.
From major keynote addresses and technical training to installer CPD sessions, electric vehicle innovation and a vibrant exhibition floor, the event highlighted why South Australia continues to lead the nation in renewable energy, electrification and advanced industry.
A state leading the conversation
The conference opened with a Welcome to Country from Cliffy ‘Tangku Munaitya’ Wilson of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services, before Smart Energy Council Chief Executive Officer David McElrea welcomed delegates to what has become one of South Australia’s premier smart energy events.
Addressing delegates, McElrea described Smart Energy South Australia as “more than a trade show” – a place where the people shaping the future of energy come together to exchange ideas, build partnerships and accelerate progress.
The opening plenary, South Australia: The Renewable Energy Superpower, brought together Paul Martyn, Chief Executive of the Department for Energy and Mining; Simon Emms, Chief Executive of ElectraNet; Merrily Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of MAC Trade Services; and Nick Harford, Managing Director of Harford Consulting. Together, the panel explored how South Australia has become Australia’s renewable energy leader while outlining the opportunities emerging through electrification, advanced manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation.
Paul Martyn highlighted the state’s ambition to ensure new investment strengthens the renewable energy system, telling delegates:
“Data centres must bring their own renewable energy.”
Simon Emms pointed to South Australia’s competitive advantage in attracting industries such as green steel and data centres, noting that a connection application first presented to ElectraNet just three months ago had already received board approval, illustrating the speed at which investment opportunities are now progressing.
Nick Harford reinforced the importance of clear policy settings, reminding delegates:
“Waste to energy, by definition in legislation, is not renewable.”
The message from the opening session was unmistakable: South Australia is moving beyond renewable electricity generation to becoming a destination for renewable-powered industry.
Minister outlines South Australia’s next chapter
A major highlight of the morning was the keynote address by The Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
The Minister outlined how South Australia’s long-term, generational investment in decarbonisation is now delivering benefits far beyond emissions reduction, creating new opportunities for industry, innovation and economic growth. He also highlighted that transport is the highest emitting sector in the state, and that these emissions are growing.
Following the keynote, Smart Energy Council CEO David McElrea joined the Minister for a discussion on renewable transport and electrification, reinforcing the important role transport infrastructure will play in Australia’s energy future.
VIDEO LINK HERE
A full day of ideas shaping the future
Beyond the opening keynote, delegates explored the technologies, policies and partnerships that will define South Australia’s energy future.
The South Australia – 100% Renewables by 2027 session examined one of the world’s most ambitious renewable energy targets, with representatives from SA Power Networks, GoodWe and Electrolux discussing the growing role of networks, consumer energy resources and electrification in delivering a reliable, affordable and resilient energy system.
Attention then turned to Future Made in South Australia, where leaders from Tindo Solar, Tesla, Fortescue, RedEarth Energy Storage and WWF explored how renewable energy is driving Australian manufacturing, battery storage, sovereign capability and new industrial investment. The discussion reinforced South Australia’s growing reputation as a destination for clean industry and innovation.
The afternoon focused on consumers during the Consumer Solar & Storage panel, chaired by Smart Energy Council Chief Strategy Officer Nigel Morris. Experts from OSW, NRG Solar, Fox ESS, EcoFlow, FranklinWH and Pylontech explored the rapid evolution of rooftop solar, battery storage and home energy management, highlighting how households are becoming active participants in Australia’s modern energy system.
Commercial opportunities took centre stage during the Commercial & Industrial Scale Up session, where Clenergy, Meteocontrol, S-5! and Raystech examined the enormous untapped potential across commercial rooftops, distributed energy systems and industrial-scale solar deployment.
The conference concluded with Stewardship, Recycling and the Circular Economy, led by Smart Energy Council Executive General Manager – Sustainability Darren Johannesen. Together with experts from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, PV Industries, Mitcham Council and the Smart Energy Council Stewardship Program, the session explored the growing importance of recycling, product stewardship and circular economy initiatives as Australia’s solar and battery industries continue to mature.
Building Australia’s installer workforce
Running alongside the main conference was the Smart Installer, CPD & Training Stream, providing installers and technical professionals with a full day of practical learning and Continuing Professional Development.
Chaired by Smart Energy Council Chief Strategy Officer Nigel Morris, the stream opened with an Installer Compliance & Industry Update, bringing together experts from the NSW EPA, GreenSketch, SA Power Networks, SolarQuotes and Big Sister to discuss the latest compliance requirements and industry developments.
The program continued with dedicated CPD sessions led by Geoff Bragg, Smart Energy Council Training & Standards Coordinator, alongside presenters from GSES Global Sustainable Energy Solutions, SolaX Power, FranklinWH and SOFAR, ensuring attendees left with valuable technical knowledge and accredited professional development.
One of the day’s most anticipated sessions explored The Next Big Revolution of EVs, led by SEC director Andrew Dickson. It featured leaders from Kia, Batteries on Wheels, Janus Electric, RAA and Judo Bank, who examined how transport electrification is transforming Australia’s energy landscape and creating new opportunities across industry and the broader economy.
Exhibition floor buzzing with innovation
Away from the conference theatres, the exhibition floor remained busy throughout the day as delegates connected with manufacturers, suppliers and service providers showcasing the latest smart energy technologies.
The Smart Energy Council extends its sincere thanks to MAC Trade Services, whose support as Lead Sponsor helped make Smart Energy South Australia 2026 possible.
Delegates explored innovations from MAC Trade Services, GoodWe, Smart Energy Council, Janus Electric, Ampaura Australia, SolaX Power, Pylontech, Solaris Finance, AlphaESS, WildTech, Meteocontrol, Hoymiles, EP Cube, S-5!, FranklinWH, Fox ESS, OSW, Pan Pacific Energy, Achievers, EcoFlow and Kia, representing every corner of the smart energy industry—from rooftop solar and battery storage to finance, software, mounting systems, energy management, commercial energy solutions and electric mobility.
Adding another dimension to the exhibition, Kia, EcoFlow and Janus Electric showcased electric vehicles and transport technologies, giving delegates the opportunity to experience firsthand the innovations driving Australia’s transport electrification.
Interactive product demonstrations, networking opportunities and exhibitor competitions ensured the exhibition remained a hive of activity throughout the day.
Collaboration driving South Australia’s smart energy future
More than 900 registrations, over 40 expert speakers across two conference streams and more than 20 exhibitors came together for one shared purpose: accelerating South Australia’s smart energy future.
From government leaders and network operators to manufacturers, installers, financiers and technology providers, Smart Energy South Australia 2026 demonstrated that delivering Australia’s future energy system requires collaboration across every part of the industry.
As delegates gathered for networking drinks overlooking the Adelaide Riverbank precinct, one message resonated throughout the day.
South Australia isn’t simply preparing for the future.
It is helping build it.
-ENDS-
About the Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council is Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy industry, committed to accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy for all Australians.
Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192
