World Energy Council Romania: WEC Central and Eastern Europe Regional Energy Forum - FOREN 2026

World Energy Council Central and Eastern Europe Regional Energy Forum - FOREN 2026

Organised under the patronage of the World Energy Council Romania and the Ministry of Energy of Romania

From Sunday, 14 June to Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at the Neptun International Conference Centre, Doina Complex, Romania.

The World Energy Council Central & Eastern Europe Energy Forum, organised every two years, is the most important regional event and exhibition hosted by the Romanian National Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC/RNC). It serves as a reference for energy specialists in Central and Eastern Europe. The Forum is organised under the auspices of the Romanian Government, with the coordination by the World Energy Council and the kind support of the World Energy Council Member Committees (WEC MCs) in Central and Eastern Europe!

The Forum's programme will include over 20 events with up-to-date issues at national and international level: 4 sessions of technical papers, 9 main events (Regional Energy Day and 8 sessions); Round Tables at corporate level; an international exhibition with more than 20 booths. We also have a discussion panel dedicated to WEC Instruments.

The main topics within FOREN 2026 are the following:

• Regional Energy Highways: Electrons;
• Regional Energy Highways: Molecules;
• Adapting the energy sectors of countries in the region to today and tomorrow’s challenges;
• Integrated National Plans in the energy field and climate change, considering the Energy Trilemma;
• Integrating biofuels and green hydrogen into the future energy mix beyond fossil fuels;
• Market transformation in energy: regulation and decentralization;
• Adapting human resources to the requirements of the energy industry in the digital era;
• New technologies in the energy transition, including AI, blockchains, and demand flexibility;
• Development of the electricity and gas network grid in the energy transition;
• Role and challenges of nuclear energy in the evolution of the energy context.

The forum is supported by energy, oil, natural gas, and coal companies, suppliers of energy equipment and services, as well as representative governmental and non-governmental institutions from Romania and abroad.

Among the participants of the event, there are government authorities, managers, and decision-makers of the most important companies and organizations, well-known and appreciated specialists in the energy field from Romania and abroad.

For more information about FOREN 2026 and the Neptun resort, please click here for the draft program of FOREN 2026 (FOREN 2026 - At a Glance), as well as the Neptun leaflet.

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the WEC/ RNC executive secretariat and visit our website: www.foren.ro.

Event Overview

FOREN 2026 Successfully Concludes: Shaping the Future of Energy in Central and Eastern Europe

The 18th edition of the World Energy Council Central & Eastern Europe Regional Energy Forum (FOREN 2026) successfully brought together over 500 energy professionals, policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and innovators from 21 countries in Neptun, Romania, reaffirming its position as one of the region's leading energy events.

Held under the theme "Secure, Sustainable and Affordable Energy for Central and Eastern Europe," the forum served as a platform for high-level dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping the region's energy future.

• 500+ participants from across the energy value chain
• 112 distinguished speakers participating in 11 discussion sessions
• 21 countries represented
• A dynamic exhibition showcasing innovative technologies and energy solutions
• The World Energy Council Member Committees Roundtable with representatives from 18 countries, discussing the future strategic direction of the World Energy Council.

Throughout the forum, experts emphasised that achieving a secure and competitive energy transition requires:

• Accelerated investment in electricity and gas infrastructure
• Expansion of energy storage as a core component of future energy systems
• Stronger regional cooperation and interconnections
• A balanced energy mix built on technological complementarity
• Predictable regulatory frameworks that encourage investment
• Greater adoption of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity
• Continuous investment in education and workforce development to prepare the next generation of energy professionals.

FOREN 2026 featured high-level participation from government officials, regulators, international organisations, and executives from leading energy companies, creating an exceptional environment for strategic dialogue on energy security, decarbonisation, market integration, and infrastructure development.

The forum also highlighted Romania's growing role as a regional energy hub and its potential to contribute significantly to Europe's secure and sustainable energy future.

The accompanying exhibition brought together leading companies from across the energy sector, presenting cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions supporting the energy transition.

The event was made possible through the support of numerous strategic partners, sponsors, exhibitors, media partners, and the active involvement of the World Energy Council Member Committees.

FOREN 2026 generated significant international visibility through:

• 50+ media clips and publications
• 44 media articles
• 11 media partners
• 11 accredited journalists
• An estimated media reach of approximately 600,000 people
• Promotion by 20 participating companies across their communication channels.

The organisers extend their sincere gratitude to all speakers, participants, partners, exhibitors, sponsors, media representatives, and volunteers whose contributions made FOREN 2026 another outstanding success.

We look forward to welcoming the energy community again at future World Energy Council events as we continue working together towards a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future.

More details and information post-event can be found HERE: FOREN 2026 at a glance and https://www.youtube.com/@worldenergycouncil-romania9338