A major regional forum in Armidale will examine what the energy transition will mean in practice for businesses and communities across the New England North West.
The New England North West Future Energy Forum 2026 will bring together industry, government and regional leaders as the region moves deeper into the rollout of the New England Renewable Energy Zone.
Held in partnership with Essential Energy, the forum will focus on the infrastructure, workforce and economic changes already underway, and what they will mean for local businesses.
With large-scale energy projects progressing, the region is increasingly at the centre of New South Wales’s energy transformation, bringing both opportunity and pressure.
Business NSW Regional Director Stephanie Cameron said the forum is aimed at helping businesses understand and prepare for what comes next.
“This is about understanding where we are now, where we are heading, and what that means for businesses on the ground,” Ms Cameron said.
“The scale of change underway presents real opportunity for the region, but it also requires coordination, planning and clear insight to ensure those opportunities are realised locally.”
Discussions will focus on practical issues including energy costs, system reliability and the broader impacts on business operations, as well as the flow-on effects of major infrastructure delivery.
Workforce demand, skills shortages and housing pressures are expected to be key themes, as the region responds to increased activity linked to energy projects.
Keynote speaker John Cleland will provide an update on network investment and the progress of the energy transition, while Leah Tucker will present findings from the Running on Empty 2.0 report, including risks around energy security and rising costs for businesses.
The forum will also include an update from EnergyCo and a panel discussion featuring GHD, exploring local procurement, investment confidence and the infrastructure needed to support long-term regional growth.
Organisers say the event is designed to strengthen alignment between industry, government and community as the pace of change accelerates.
The forum will be held on Monday 30 March from 10.30am to 2pm at the UNE SRI NOVA Centre in Armidale. Tickets are available here.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.