Smart Energy Council CEO David McElrea has completed his first international engagement since taking on the role, representing Australian renewable energy businesses at Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich.
Over four days, David participated in global industry forums, addressed international audiences, met with Smart Energy Council members exhibiting at the event and strengthened relationships with key organisations shaping the future of renewable energy. Every meeting, panel and discussion had a clear focus: ensuring Australian businesses remain connected to global opportunities and that the interests of Smart Energy Council members are represented on the international stage.
As one of the world’s major gatherings for the solar, storage and clean energy industry, Intersolar Europe brings together manufacturers, technology leaders, policymakers, investors and industry associations from across the globe. For the Smart Energy Council, it provides an important opportunity to advocate for Australian industry, strengthen international partnerships and ensure our members remain connected to the latest developments shaping the global energy transition.
Representing Australia in global discussions
One of the key highlights of the visit was David’s participation as a panellist at the launch of the Global Solar Outlook 2026, joining international leaders to discuss the drivers of sustained solar growth around the world and Australia’s role in the next phase of global solar deployment.
The invitation recognised the Smart Energy Council’s contribution to the report and Australia’s growing influence in the global clean energy transition. The panel brought together policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across the international solar and storage value chain to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
David also represented the Council at the Global Solar Council Strategy Board and Management Board meetings, contributing to discussions on international collaboration and ensuring Australia’s voice continues to be represented as global renewable energy policy and markets evolve.
Showcasing Australian innovation
During the visit, David delivered the keynote address at the international launch of GreenSketch, our executive members, speaking alongside global industry leaders at the company’s first European market launch.
The launch marked an important milestone for Australian clean energy innovation, with GreenSketch making its European market debut in Germany on 22 June 2026. Held on the eve of Intersolar Europe, the event brought together more than 180 guests from the solar industry, real estate, media and influencer community at Villa Flora in Munich.
As part of the launch, GreenSketch released its first German Rooftop Valuation Report, using AI to analyse more than 28 million residential buildings across 401 districts and independent cities. The report estimated Germany’s residential rooftops could deliver €45.43 billion per year in potential electricity cost savings, highlighting the scale of the opportunity for solar, storage and better consumer energy advice.
David’s participation reflected the Smart Energy Council’s commitment to supporting our members as they expand into international markets. The event also brought together representatives from the Global Solar Council, LONGi and GoodWe, providing valuable opportunities to strengthen international relationships while showcasing Australia’s growing contribution to renewable energy innovation.
Connecting with Smart Energy Council membersre
Supporting Smart Energy Council members exhibiting and attending Intersolar remained a key focus throughout the week.
David met with a number of Corporate Members including GoodWe, FranklinWH, Sigenergy, Selectronic and Go Solar Group, alongside other Australian businesses attending the exhibition. These discussions focused on understanding member priorities, strengthening relationships with global leadership teams and identifying opportunities that can help Australian businesses continue to grow in an increasingly competitive international market.
The visit also provided valuable opportunities to reconnect with long-standing industry partners while introducing prospective members to the work of the Smart Energy Council and Australia’s rapidly evolving renewable energy market.e.
Bringing global opportunities back to Australia
Beyond networking, the visit focused on identifying international developments that can deliver value for Australian industry.
David attended the launch of the Global Solar Council’s AgriPV Task Force, reflecting growing international interest in integrating solar generation with agricultural production, an area with significant potential across regional Australia.
Another important focus was bidirectional charging, including vehicle-to-grid technology. Meetings with international experts and participation in technical discussions explored how Australia can engage with the International Energy Agency’s Task 53 program and accelerate the deployment of bidirectional charging technologies. These conversations align closely with the Smart Energy Council’s work supporting electrification, battery storage and consumer energy resources.
Global trends shaping the renewable energy sector
Across the exhibition floor and conference program, several themes consistently emerged.
Battery storage continues to experience significant global growth, with increasing investment across residential, commercial and utility-scale applications. Digital energy management platforms, artificial intelligence and software-enabled energy optimisation are rapidly becoming central to how renewable energy systems are designed and operated.
Electrification also featured prominently throughout the event, with vehicle-to-grid technology, consumer energy flexibility and integrated home energy systems recognised as important components of future electricity networks. These trends closely align with Australia’s energy transition and reinforce the opportunities available to Smart Energy Council members.
Interactive product demonstrations, networking opportunities and exhibitor competitions ensured the exhibition remained a hive of activity throughout the day.
Delivering value for members
Reflecting on the visit, David McElrea said Intersolar Europe demonstrated both the scale of the global renewable energy transition and Australia’s growing role within it.
“Our members are helping shape the future of renewable energy, not just in Australia but internationally. Intersolar provided an important opportunity to strengthen relationships, showcase Australian capability and bring valuable insights back to our members. Ensuring Australian businesses have a strong voice in global conversations remains a key priority for the Smart Energy Council.”
As Australia’s clean energy industry continues to grow, international engagement will remain an important part of the Smart Energy Council’s work: building partnerships, advocating for members and ensuring Australian businesses remain connected to the technologies, markets and policy developments shaping the future of renewable energy.
About Intersolar Europe
Held annually in Munich, Intersolar Europe is recognised as a major international exhibition and conference for the solar industry and forms part of The smarter E Europe, a broad platform for the energy industry.
In 2026, the event brought together exhibitors, technology providers, installers, policymakers, researchers and industry associations to explore the latest developments across solar PV, battery storage, electric mobility and integrated energy systems. It remains an important forum for understanding the direction of the global renewable energy sector.
For the Smart Energy Council, participation at Intersolar is about more than attending an industry event. It is an opportunity to represent Australian renewable energy businesses, strengthen international partnerships, support members expanding into global markets and bring emerging technologies, policy insights and business opportunities back to Australia.
The Global Solar Market Outlook 2026-2030 Report
https://www.solarpowereurope.org/insights/outlooks/global-solar-market-outlook-2026-2030
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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
