Program

Collect your badge and get event-ready at registration. Open throughout the day, it’s your first stop before heading into the Summit. 🎟️⚡

Discover the latest clean energy innovations in the exhibition hall. Open all day and fuelled by coffee ☕ — this is where connections happen. ⚡

The Australian Clean Energy Summit opens with MC William Churchill from the Clean Energy Council, setting the tone for two days of bold ideas, sharp insights and meaningful connection.

He will then invite a Welcome to Country, recognising the Traditional Custodians of the land and their enduring connection to Country, before welcoming Jackie Trad, Chief Executive Officer of the Clean Energy Council, to deliver an opening address reflecting on the state of the sector and the priorities shaping the next chapter of Australia’s clean energy transition.

Dr Rebecca Huntley, Director of Research at 89 Degrees, will present the results of the 2026 Clean Energy Solutions Index, providing fresh insight into how Australians are thinking and feeling about the clean energy transition. Following the presentation, Dr Huntley will join Jackie Trad, CEO of the Clean Energy Council, for a fireside chat exploring public attitudes, concerns and motivations, and what these findings mean for industry as it works to build trust, strengthen community confidence and maintain momentum through the next phase of delivery.

Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition at scale requires sustained investment across generation, storage and network infrastructure. While capital is available, uncertainty around policy, market settings and system planning continues to affect the pace and timing of deployment.

This plenary brings together investors, developers and system leaders to examine what is needed to unlock investment, strengthen energy security and deliver projects at the speed required.

Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition at scale requires sustained investment across generation, storage and network infrastructure. While capital is available, uncertainty around policy, market settings and system planning continues to affect the pace and timing of deployment.

This plenary brings together investors, developers and system leaders to examine what is needed to unlock investment, strengthen energy security and deliver projects at the speed required.

Join the Women in Renewables Lunch for an inspiring and energising networking experience. Connect with peers from across the sector and be part of a supportive, inclusive conversation. ⚡🤝

Women in Renewables Major Partner:

Global capital flows are shaping the pace and scale of clean energy investment. Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty are influencing how investors allocate capital across markets. This discussion looks at what the next 12–24 months could mean for project delivery, investor confidence and Australia’s competitiveness.

Delivering the energy transition depends on strong and lasting community relationships. Industry, governments and local stakeholders are continuing to refine how they work together to build trust and strengthen social licence. The discussion focuses on practical ways collaboration can support durable outcomes for regional communities.

Australia’s electricity grid is undergoing its largest transformation in decades. As coal generation retires and renewable capacity scales, transmission has become both a critical enabler and an increasing constraint. This session examines where the rollout stands today, what is slowing progress and what needs to change to accelerate delivery.

Thank you to our session partner:

Distribution networks are undergoing significant structural change as rooftop solar, batteries, electric vehicles and flexible demand grow across the grid. Distribution Network Service Providers are shifting from a traditional “fit-and-forget” model toward a more dynamic Distribution System Operator role. This transition represents a fundamental redesign of how distribution networks operate and create value in a decentralised energy system.

Recent global shocks - from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine and ongoing instability in the Middle East - have reshaped how nations approach energy. The transition is no longer only about cost and emissions, but also resilience, sovereignty and security. This session examines how Australia can respond through stronger coordination between the Commonwealth and the states, while building greater self-reliance in a volatile global environment.

Planning and environmental approval frameworks are evolving across several jurisdictions. These reforms will influence how efficiently new clean energy projects can be delivered. The session explores emerging risks, approval pathways and the opportunities these changes present to streamline development.

Rapid growth in data centres is expected to significantly increase electricity demand in the coming decade. Questions remain around the scale, timing and infrastructure needed to support that demand. The discussion examines the implications for generation, firming and transmission investment.

Thank you to our session partner:

Distributed energy resources are already reshaping Australia’s electricity system. Rooftop solar, batteries and flexible demand are changing how electricity is produced and consumed. The session provides an evidence-based overview of DER today and projected growth to 2030 and what this means for system planning, security and market design.

Higher levels of wind and solar generation are increasing the need for reliable firming solutions. Storage, flexible gas, pumped hydro and effective market design all play a role in maintaining reliability when renewable output dips. The session explores how next-generation batteries and evolving market settings can support a stable and secure electricity system.

Thank you to our session partner:

Electrification is emerging as both a climate solution and an economic opportunity. Electric technologies are already delivering lower operating costs, improved productivity and reduced exposure to fuel price volatility across parts of the economy. The discussion highlights where electrification is delivering the strongest returns today and what is needed to accelerate adoption.

Renewable Energy Zones were designed to coordinate generation and transmission, reduce connection risk and accelerate investment. Real-world delivery is now revealing both strengths and challenges. The discussion examines how REZ performance should be measured and how governance and delivery models can better align generation development with transmission rollout.

Thank you to our session partner:

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape how work is performed across the clean energy sector. From data analysis to operations and planning, AI is influencing productivity and workforce capability. The discussion explores how organisations are using AI today and what this means for future workforce skills.

Unwind at networking drinks and continue the conversation with industry peers. Share insights, make new connections and reflect on the day’s discussions. 🍷⚡

Celebrate the clean energy sector at the Australian Clean Energy Summit Gala Dinner. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of great food, entertainment and connection as we come together to recognise achievements and continue conversations in a relaxed, festive setting. ✨🥂⚡

Gala Dinner Major Partner: