New England North West Future Energy Forum 2026 | Business NSW

With major change underway through the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the release of Business NSW’s Running on Empty 2.0, the forum focuses on balancing energy security, renewable expansion and economic resilience while supporting business confidence and regional growth.

Event Name: NENW Future Energy Forum 2026
Event Date and Time: Monday, 30 March, 10.30 AM to 2.00 PM (approx.)
Location and Venue: NOVA Centre Armidale, 122 Faulkner Street, Armidale NSW
Format: Open Forum

Purpose-built around regional priorities, the forum examines the planning and delivery of power infrastructure that underpins investment certainty, workforce readiness and future-ready communities. Through expert insights and future-focused dialogue, the event positions New England North West to harness its energy assets and build regional capability.

State Energy Transition and Certainty
John Cleland, CEO, Essential Energy, provides an overview of NSW’s energy transition, focusing on current system realities, future direction, and the infrastructure and network investment supporting regional business certainty. The session highlights New England North West’s role as a growing centre of energy opportunity and includes updates on The Energy Charter and the Essential Energy Training Academy.

Energy Security and Reliability
Leah Tucker from Business NSW presents key insights from Running on Empty 2.0, examining energy security risks, cost impacts for business and the need for firming capacity.

Panel: What the Energy Transition Means for Business
Facilitated by Steph Cameron and featuring forum speakers plus GHD, this panel explores the practical implications of the energy transition for business. Discussion will cover energy costs, investment confidence, local procurement, workforce and housing pressures, and the infrastructure needed to support sustainable regional growth.

Why Attend

• Gain practical insights into the energy transition and infrastructure planning for New England North West

• Understand emerging opportunities for local investment, procurement, and workforce development

• Hear directly from industry leaders, policymakers, and energy experts on current and future regional projects

• Connect with peers, decision-makers, and influencers shaping the region’s energy and economic future

• Participate in a panel discussion exploring the real-world impacts of the energy transition on business

Who Should Attend
This forum is designed for regional and business leaders, economic development officers, industry representatives, investors, local government decision-makers, training and workforce organisations, and media. Attendees will gain actionable insights, understand regional opportunities, and build connections with the people driving energy and economic growth across New England North West.

The forum concludes with a light networking lunch, providing the opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders and decision-makers shaping the future of energy and growth in New England North West.