The BIG Energy Summit 2026

We will be releasing the agenda over the coming weeks but for now please save the date!

The BIG Energy Summit in partnership with the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero is back for 2026, taking place at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre.

The Summit provides local authorities with an important opportunity to connect with colleagues, while keeping up to date on the climate change, energy, and sustainability agenda. Through learning more about government initiatives, practical case studies, examples of good practice, and market trends, the event offers insights to support local authorities to address the climate emergency.

The Summit will also feature the APSE Energy Awards in partnership with DESNZ, which will shine a spotlight on the innovative and ambitious projects of local authorities from across the UK.

Agenda highlights and speakers include the following:

• Helen Seagrave, Director of Local Energy, Great British Energy talking about how GB Energy fits into the energy landscape and working with local authorities;
• Jos Holmes, Climate Change Strategy Manager at North Yorkshire Council on community engagement;
• Neil Grant, Senior Energy Officer, and David Thornton, Building Services Engineer from South Ayrshire Council presenting on energy management and BMS;
• David Trousdale, Principal Advisor – Climate Change with Newcastle City Council speaking on modelling net zero interventions and identifying their value;
• Alan Barber and Nonso Obuekwe, APSE Energy associates talking about a case study  of the decarbonisation of blocks of flats, thermal modelling and electricity and heating options;
• Dr Sandra Bogelein, Lead Analyst – People and Net Zero, Climate Change Committee and Louise Marix-Evans, Seventh Carbon Budget and Local Authorities report author, will go through highlights of the report and implications for the local government sector.

Every APSE Energy member authority will be entitled to 2 free places with no delegate fees and no charge for meals nor overnight accommodation.

Delegates from all local authorities across the UK are welcome and the content of the summit will be appropriate for all.