Almost 500 delegates from across industry, academia, government and the investment community gathered at Vaillant Live in Derby on Tuesday 16 June for the UK Energy Innovation Expo 2026, a flagship event hosted by the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) as part of East Mids Tech Week.

The Expo brought together many of the people and organisations driving the UK’s transition to net zero, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, research and partnerships that are helping to accelerate clean growth and energy innovation across the region and the country.

The event also marked ten years of the Energy Research Accelerator, celebrating a decade of collaboration between universities, industry and government to tackle some of the UK’s most pressing energy challenges.

Opening the event, Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, reflected on ERA’s achievements over the past decade and the critical role that research and innovation will play in delivering a secure, affordable and sustainable energy future.

Delegates also heard from Richard Halsey, Innovation Director at Energy Systems Catapult, who discussed the role of innovation in addressing today’s energy challenges, while Michael Gallagher, Head of Net Zero and Green Growth at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), outlined the region’s ambitions for green growth and economic development.

A lively panel discussion brought together leaders from academia, industry and the public sector to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the East Midlands as it seeks to become a national leader in clean energy technologies.

Alongside the main stage programme, delegates took part in a series of specialist workshops covering hydrogen, nuclear energy, energy policy and medium-duration energy storage. The sessions examined the technologies, infrastructure, investment and policy frameworks needed to support the UK’s transition to net zero while creating jobs and economic opportunities across the region.

The event also featured a busy exhibition area showcasing the latest innovations from universities, businesses and research organisations. Highlights included immersive virtual reality demonstrations from Loughborough University and a hydrogen-powered vehicle from Keele University, giving delegates a hands-on insight into emerging energy technologies and their real-world applications.

The afternoon programme celebrated the next generation of energy innovators through the ERA Doctoral Showcase, where researchers from across the ERA partnership presented their work to an audience of experts, businesses and policymakers. Delegates also heard from innovators developing new technologies with the potential to transform future energy systems.

Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University and Chair of the Energy Research Accelerator Leadership Group, said:

“The Expo highlighted the incredible depth of energy expertise and innovation across the East Midlands. Bringing together researchers, businesses and policymakers in this way is exactly why ERA exists, helping to build the partnerships that will drive the UK’s energy transition and create new opportunities for the region.”

Closing the event, stage host and science communicator Zion Lights delivered an optimistic vision for the future of energy innovation in the East Midlands.

She highlighted a series of transformative developments that are helping position the region at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition, including the STEP Fusion programme in North Nottinghamshire, the emerging Trent Supercluster, Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to manufacture Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Derby, and a growing pipeline of world-leading research, innovation and investment initiatives across the region.

“The East Midlands has a huge amount to be optimistic about,” she said. “The region has the expertise, infrastructure, innovation capability and ambition to play a leading role in shaping the UK’s clean energy future.”

The UK Energy Innovation Expo demonstrated the strength of the East Midlands’ energy ecosystem and the value of collaboration between universities, businesses, policymakers and investors in turning research and innovation into real-world impact.

As the region continues to develop major energy projects and attract investment in next-generation technologies, the Expo highlighted the important role that collaboration will play in delivering economic growth, creating skilled jobs and accelerating the UK’s transition to net zero.