The ENERGISE Annual Symposium 2026 will bring together researchers, academics, policymakers, industry stakeholders and communities to explore pathways towards a more inclusive and sustainable energy future.
Taking place from 14-17 September 2026 at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, the symposium is themed “Co-Creating a Just Energy Transition.” The programme brings together perspectives from South Africa, Germany and the wider African energy landscape, with a strong focus on research, innovation, teaching, community engagement and practical solutions for the energy transition.
A Platform for Energy Transition Dialogue
The symposium opened with discussions on the national need for a Just Energy Transition (JET) in South Africa, followed by political perspectives on the African-German partnership for a just energy transition.
The opening programme also featured a keynote address on the Just Energy Transition in South Africa, as well as discussions on interdisciplinary research and teaching with impact. These sessions provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the challenges facing energy systems while identifying opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
The event further provides a platform for networking and strengthening partnerships across institutions, disciplines and sectors, supporting the broader goal of developing practical responses to energy challenges.
Connecting Research with Real-World Challenges
A key feature of the symposium is its focus on ENERGISE Living Labs, which connects research and innovation with communities and real-world environments.
On 15 September, participants are scheduled to visit the Wits Living Labs in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, where the programme includes a site visit, community engagement and the official launch of the ENERGISE Wits Living Lab cluster commissioning.
The Living Lab approach creates an opportunity for researchers and communities to engage directly around energy challenges and explore solutions that can respond to local needs.
Advancing Energy Research and Innovation
Research is another major focus of the symposium. On 16 September, participants will engage in parallel research workshops addressing several important areas of the energy transition.
These include:
- National energy system modelling, focusing on scenarios and future projections.
- Grid integration and operations, including dynamic system modelling and grid codes.
- Energy access and affordability, with a focus on decentralised mini-grids and community solutions.
Importantly, Prof. O. Popoola from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is involved in the programme, contributing to the session on Scenarios of Future Projections – National Energy System Modelling, alongside Dr. Y-C Yen from Wits.
Prof. Popoola is also scheduled to facilitate the Living Lab Entrepreneurial Ecosystems workshop. This session forms part of a broader programme exploring how entrepreneurship, innovation and collaborative ecosystems can contribute to the development of practical energy-transition solutions.
From Research to Practical Solutions
The symposium also places emphasis on developing solutions beyond academic research. The programme includes a Sustainable Business Model Competition, featuring final presentations and pitches, as well as Living Lab workshops focusing on mini-grids, peri-urban and rural areas, entrepreneurial ecosystems and policy.
These activities demonstrate the importance of connecting research, innovation, entrepreneurship and policy when addressing the complex challenges associated with a Just Energy Transition.
The day’s programme concludes with a joint discussion on the possibilities, tensions and challenges emerging from the Living Labs, with discussions intended to help set the agenda for 2026–2030.
Strengthening Collaboration for the Future
The final day of the symposium will focus on reviewing the programme and identifying the next steps for the ENERGISE initiative. The ENERGISE Executive Board and Project Coordinators are scheduled to participate in a symposium review and discussions on the way forward.
The symposium therefore represents more than a series of presentations. It provides a collaborative platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and consider how research and innovation can contribute to a just and sustainable energy future.
For institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology and the Centre for Energy and Electrical Power (CEEP), participation in platforms of this nature creates valuable opportunities to contribute expertise, strengthen research networks and showcase work that supports South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Looking Ahead
As South Africa continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition, collaboration between universities, government, industry, communities and international partners remains essential.
The ENERGISE Annual Symposium 2026 provides an important space for these conversations bringing together different perspectives with a shared objective: co-creating solutions for a Just Energy Transition that is inclusive, innovative and responsive to the needs of communities.
Source: ENERGISE Annual Symposium 2026 Provisional Final Programme, dated 11 September 2026.