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Smart Energy 2026 to Lead Australia into the Second Half of the Renewable Transition

Australia’s longest-running renewable energy conference returns with new program zones, national policy leaders, international delegates and industry-wide momentum

Sydney, Australia I 4 Dec 2025

Smart Energy 2026 returns to ICC Sydney on 6–7 May at a defining moment for Australia’s energy future: the halfway mark of the renewable energy transition, with solar, wind, storage and hydro now approaching 50 per cent of the nation’s electricity supply.

Now in its 64th year, Smart Energy is one of Australia’s most established and influential renewable energy events, bringing together thousands of installers, innovators, manufacturers, policy leaders, investors, local governments, utilities and decision makers from across the country and internationally.

With the pace of electrification accelerating across homes, businesses, transport, mining and heavy industry, Smart Energy 2026 will showcase the ideas, innovations and leadership shaping the next half of Australia’s transition.

Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes said the energy sector is experiencing unprecedented momentum.

“The renewable energy transition is delivering right across the country. People have never been busier. This is the electrification of the whole economy, and our industry is at the centre of it. And I can tell you, your big industry body has never been more influential or more important in delivering outcomes for you – our members. So be there on the exhibition floor.”


A National Conference Driving the Transition Forward

Smart Energy 2026 features multiple program streams, headline policy addresses, technical masterclasses, industry roundtables, live demonstrations, and international speakers across two days.

The 2026 program will explore the most critical issues shaping the renewable energy landscape:

Program Highlights

One year on – Lessons from delivering the Cheaper Home Battery Program, the world’s biggest home battery rebate
Where are the next rooftops? – Mapping solar growth beyond Australia’s world-leading penetration rates
Are renewables really renewable? – Solar and battery recycling with Australia’s stewardship leaders
The more we delay, the more we pay – Solving transmission and large-scale renewable bottlenecks
Virtual Power Plants – How homes and businesses are strengthening the grid
Green steam – How Australian industry is Getting Off Gas and electrifying heat
Batteries on wheels – V2G, EVs, heavy haulage, remote charging and electrified logistics
Cyber security in an electrified era
COP31 and the Pacific – Delivering 100 per cent renewable power for the region
Renewable energy superpower – How Australia can help decarbonise neighbouring economies


Events With Purpose: Learning, Training, Connection

Across the two days, attendees will have access to:

Installer Masterclasses (CPD-accredited sessions)
Policy Forums with federal and state energy leaders
Industry Roundtables on transmission, workforce and supply chains
Start-up Showcases with emerging innovators
Networking Sessions, including gala dinner and awards

Smart Energy 2026 continues the Smart Energy Council’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, industry development and evidence-based policy.


A Milestone Moment for the Renewable Energy Sector

Smart Energy 2026 will feature new technology launches, real-world case studies, and practical insights from project developers, households, regulators and communities experiencing the transition first-hand.

With renewable energy surging across every state and territory, this year’s event offers a critical platform to connect, collaborate and accelerate Australia’s journey toward a fully electrified economy.

Registrations are now open:

https://bit.ly/48OUmu6

Contact Tim Lamacraft for more information or Media Inquiries on 0488 972 192.

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Smart Stewardship

Chair: Darren Johannesen

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Recyclers
  • PV Manufacturers
  • Product stewardship participants

Policy Scope

  • Stewardship policy
  • Recycling frameworks
  • Circular economy initiatives

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Batteries

Topics Scope

  • Recycling pathways
  • Product stewardship schemes
  • End-of-life management
  • Industry obligations
  • Sustainability initiatives

Smart Global

Chair: Robert Potter

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Importers
  • Exporters
  • Investors
  • International projects

Policy Scope

  • International trade
  • Market entry
  • Export facilitation
  • Trade Tariff 

Technology Scope

  • Smart energy technologies
  • Climate technologies

Topics Scope

  • Renewable Energy Council Asia Pacific
  • Export opportunities
  • Trade missions
  • Global Climate
  • International partnerships
  • Investment opportunities

Smart Transport

Chair: Rhiannon Evans

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Transport technology providers
  • Light and Heavy Electric Fleet operators
  • Charging infrastructure businesses

Policy Scope

  • EV policy
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Transport electrification
  • Network integration
  • Incentives 

Technology Scope

  • Electric vehicles
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Fleet technologies
  • Distribution Network

Topics Scope

  • Rapid Expansion
  • Interconnections
  • Regulations and Standards
  • V2X

Smart Manufacturing

Chair: Rod Scott

Meeting Frequency: Every 12 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Local manufacturers
  • Technology developers
  • Component suppliers
  • Emerging technologies

Policy Scope

  • Supply Chain
  • R&D
  • Manufacturing Incentives
  • CEFC

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Storage
  • Electronics
  • Software
  • Critical materials

Topics Scope

  • Expanding local manufacturing
  • Export opportunities
  • Supply chains
  • Local content
  • Investment attraction
  • Industry capability

Smart Large-scale

Chair: Sohaib Mohammed

Meeting Frequency: Every 8 Weeks

Sector Scope

  • Large & utility scale developers
  • Asset owners
  • Investors
  • EPCs

Policy Scope

  • NEM Review
  • Capacity Investment Scheme
  • Planning Regulation

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Storage
  • Wind
  • Transmission

Topics Scope

  • Interconnection
  • Development
  • Financing
  • Energy Wholesaling
  • Planning Regulation

Smart Consumer

Chair: John Welch

Meeting Frequency: Every 8 Weeks

Sector Scope:

  • Installers
  • Retailers
  • Wholesales
  • Service providers

Policy Scope

  • Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Rebate programs
  • Accreditation
  • Local regulations

Technology Scope

  • Solar
  • Battery storage
  • Energy retail
  • Distributed network technologies

Topics Scope

  • Compliance obligations
  • Training and workforce issues
  • Regulations 
  • Consumer protection
  • Energy retail developments
  • Virtual Power Plants (VPP)
  • Industry best practice

Contact Thornton de Voy

Contact Yuan Fang

Contact Ivan Chelvathurai

Contact Nigel Morris

Contact Charlie Caruso

Contact Allen Edwards

Contact Darren Johannesen

Contact Jessica Hampshire