Comergy 2026 invites abstracts that explore the role of local, community energy initiatives in enabling a fair, inclusive and collaborative energy transition. The conference welcomes contributions from researchers, students, community groups, local governments, practitioners and organisations working at the intersection of energy, place and people.

We particularly encourage submissions that reflect real-world experience, collaborative practice and place-based approaches, alongside academic and policy-focused research. Contributions may be conceptual, empirical, practice-based or reflective.

Themes

• Technological Innovations for Community Energy Systems

• Energy Justice, Equity and Inclusive Transitions

• Local and Neighbourhood Energy Hubs and Microgrids

• Energy Storage and Flexibility for Community Resilience

• Local Energy Markets, Trading Mechanisms and Community Business Models

• Digital Twins, Data Platforms and Visualisation for Community Energy

• Circular Economy and Sustainable Resource Pathways in Community Energy

• Community Governance and Co-Design in Renewable Energy

• Policy, Regulation and Collaborative Pathways for Scaling Community Energy

Abstract Format

Abstracts should be 300–400 words and outline the focus, approach and relevance of the contribution. There will be two modes of participation: oral presentation or poster.

Community Submissions Pathway

Comergy 2026 recognises that some of the most valuable insights into community energy come from practice. The conference, therefore, offers a community submissions pathway with lighter requirements.

Community contributors may submit:

• a short abstract of 200–300 words, or

• a brief description of a project, initiative or lesson learned.

Formal academic framing is not required. Accepted community submissions may be presented as short talks, facilitated discussions, posters or case study sessions. Support will be available to help contributors shape their presentation if needed.

Student Participation, and Posters sessions

Comergy 2026 strongly encourages participation from Honours, Master's and PhD students.

Students may submit work in progress, early-stage research or reflective practice pieces. These works can be presented in the form of poster or short talks (3-5 mins). Submission deadlines have been aligned to avoid peak exam periods, and student registration rates will be available.

Call for Posters

The Comergy 2026 poster sessions provide an interactive space for sharing research, community projects and emerging ideas in a visual and accessible format.

Posters are welcome from:

• students and early-career researchers

• community groups and practitioners

• project teams wishing to showcase local initiatives

Posters should highlight key ideas, findings or lessons learned and be designed for discussion rather than formal presentation. Poster guidelines and templates will be provided to accepted contributors.

Key Dates

• Call for Abstracts opens: 9 February 2026

• Abstract submission deadline: 30 June 2026

• Notification of acceptance: 31 July 2026

• Full papers (by invitation only) due: 31 August 2026

• Early registration closes: 15 September 2026

• Final programme released: 15 October 2026

• Comergy 2026 Conference: 7–8 December 2026

• Community energy site visit: 9 December 2026 (TBC)