Wales’s ambitions to become more energy independent and unlock new economic opportunities through renewable energy will take centre stage when industry leaders, policymakers and investors gather in Newport for Future Energy Wales 2026.
Taking place at ICC Wales on 3–4 November, the two-day conference will bring together around 500 delegates and more than 90 speakers to examine how Wales can accelerate renewable energy development, attract investment and strengthen its position in the UK’s transition towards cleaner energy.
Organised by RenewableUK Cymru, the event comes at an important time for the Welsh energy sector, following changes to the political landscape and renewed attention on the policies, infrastructure and investment needed to support the country’s long-term energy ambitions.
Under the theme of building an energy-independent Wales, the conference will explore how the country can make greater use of its renewable energy resources while ensuring that future developments deliver meaningful economic benefits for Welsh businesses, industries and communities.
A central focus will be the practical steps needed to move projects from ambition to delivery. While Wales has significant opportunities across onshore and offshore wind, solar and other renewable technologies, unlocking that potential requires coordinated action on grid connections, planning, infrastructure investment and public engagement.
The conference programme will examine these challenges alongside the opportunities for Welsh companies to become more involved in the renewable energy supply chain.
From engineering and manufacturing to construction, technology and professional services, the expansion of renewable energy presents opportunities for businesses across the economy. Ensuring Welsh companies are positioned to compete for contracts, develop new capabilities and benefit from investment will be an important part of the wider discussion.
Investment in ports and industrial infrastructure will also feature prominently, reflecting the importance of creating the facilities and supply chains needed to support future renewable energy projects.
The event will bring together senior figures from government, industry and infrastructure organisations, including Adam Price MS, Welsh Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, and Michael Shanks MP, Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Other confirmed speakers include Gus Jaspert, Managing Director of The Crown Estate, and Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Spatial Energy Planning at the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
Their contributions will form part of wider discussions about the relationship between energy policy, infrastructure planning and the investment decisions needed to support future development.
The programme will also examine the role of communities in Wales’s energy transition. Leanne Wood, Co-executive Director of Community Energy Wales, is among the speakers, with public engagement and the local benefits of renewable energy forming important areas of discussion.
Alongside the main conference sessions, specialist workshops will address environmental impacts and how developers can communicate renewable energy projects more effectively with the public, political representatives and the media.
One workshop will feature journalist and Guardian columnist Will Hayward, focusing on how organisations can improve communication around energy developments and engage more effectively with different audiences.
Beyond the conference discussions, Future Energy Wales will provide an opportunity for businesses to establish connections with developers, investors and organisations operating across the Welsh energy supply chain.
With up to 35 exhibitors expected, the event will offer a platform for companies of different sizes to explore potential partnerships, understand emerging opportunities and contribute to discussions about the industry’s future.
The wider ambition is to ensure that the growth of renewable energy in Wales supports more than electricity generation, helping to stimulate economic activity, strengthen domestic supply chains, create employment opportunities and attract investment into communities across the country.
As Wales considers how to balance its energy ambitions with the practical challenges of delivering new infrastructure, Future Energy Wales 2026 will provide an opportunity for those involved in the sector to identify shared priorities and consider the actions needed to maintain progress.
Future Energy Wales 2026 takes place at ICC Wales, Newport, on 3–4 November. For further information about the conference programme, speakers and delegate registration, visit the Future Energy Wales 2026 website.
