With energy market volatility and the prospect of higher bills back in the headlines, the event outlined a strategy to enhance energy security, accelerate climate action and drive economic growth.

Addressing 250 delegates, RenewableNI Director Mark Richardson said: "In recent days and weeks, consumers have once again watched energy prices spike due to the war of unintended consequences. The reality of yet another conflict is surging through global markets and landing, as it always does, on the bills of families and businesses who bear the costs without having any say. Energy security is national security."

The keynote address was delivered by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir, MLA, who highlighted the wider advantages of renewables, including protecting the climate. Minister Muir said: "Today's Smart Energy 2026 conference is timely. More frequent extreme weather and record temperatures are underlining the urgent need for climate action such as shifting to renewables. In a recent report from the UK Climate Change Committee, it is clear that transitioning to a low carbon economy, including transitioning away from volatile fossil fuels to clean domestic energy, is not only cost effective but also delivers other benefits, including better health."

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He added: "That's why my Department is continuing to move at pace to bring forward a Climate Action Plan that will complement our third Climate Change Adaptation Programme, published last week. It is essential that Northern Ireland has the opportunity to capitalise on the opportunities that come from a just and fair transition, to secure good green jobs, a more resilient economy and a clean and green environment for future generations."

Discussions throughout the day underscored the importance of the forthcoming Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) in giving investors the confidence to commit capital — not only to new renewable generation, but also to the enabling infrastructure and skills that underpin long-term economic development in Northern Ireland.

Panels on Developments for Delivery, Supporting the Supply Chain and Delivering the Offshore Potential, alongside a Women in Renewables session, set out the policy and infrastructure changes required and stressed the urgency of delivery.

Mark Richardson continued: "Time is not a renewable resource. The message from this conference is unambiguous: pass the REPG Bill, on time, and deliver the first auction without delay.

"The industry is ready. We need government to be ready too. It's time to make up for lost ground. Delivering on our renewable ambition is not without challenges but Smart Energy conference showed there is a commitment to overcoming these and making clean energy and economic benefits a reality for everyone in NI."