20/02/2026
Smart Energy 2026 To Return To Belfast In Five Weeks
Billed as Northern Ireland's leading renewable electricity conference, Smart Energy continues to expand, drawing Executive Ministers, senior policymakers, international CEOs and industry figures.
This year's theme, "Developments for Delivering," focuses on the reforms and infrastructure required to translate ambition into action and meet the target of 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
The Department for the Economy has published the final design of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG), although the sector is still awaiting the full terms and conditions. Seen as critical to attracting inward investment and bolstering energy security, REPG will be explored by experts at Smart Energy, who will examine delivery timelines and how to maximise success ahead of the first auction.
With the auction anticipated in Q1 2027, companies across Northern Ireland's renewable supply chain—spanning construction, engineering, legal services, manufacturing, logistics and professional services—can expect insights into new growth opportunities. The Supporting the Supply Chain panel will include representatives from the National Wealth Fund alongside other key stakeholders.
Key topics in 2026 include grid investment and infrastructure reform; developing Northern Ireland's offshore wind sector; and ensuring sufficient supply‑chain capacity for delivery. Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, is confirmed as keynote speaker, joining industry leaders, senior civil servants and technical specialists for a full day of panels and networking.
Delegates will have extensive networking opportunities, with an evening Welcome Reception in Amelia Hall, a post‑conference drinks reception in the exhibition space and a business lunch—all included in the ticket price. The programme also spotlights Women in Renewables, with a dedicated area to meet graduates of the mentoring course and participants in the free mentoring scheme. A "Leading by Example" session before lunch will showcase role models and their achievements.
Demand continues to rise and attendance is expected to surpass previous years. Registration and further details are available at renewableni.com/smart-energy-26/
This year's theme, "Developments for Delivering," focuses on the reforms and infrastructure required to translate ambition into action and meet the target of 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
The Department for the Economy has published the final design of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG), although the sector is still awaiting the full terms and conditions. Seen as critical to attracting inward investment and bolstering energy security, REPG will be explored by experts at Smart Energy, who will examine delivery timelines and how to maximise success ahead of the first auction.
Key topics in 2026 include grid investment and infrastructure reform; developing Northern Ireland's offshore wind sector; and ensuring sufficient supply‑chain capacity for delivery. Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, is confirmed as keynote speaker, joining industry leaders, senior civil servants and technical specialists for a full day of panels and networking.
Delegates will have extensive networking opportunities, with an evening Welcome Reception in Amelia Hall, a post‑conference drinks reception in the exhibition space and a business lunch—all included in the ticket price. The programme also spotlights Women in Renewables, with a dedicated area to meet graduates of the mentoring course and participants in the free mentoring scheme. A "Leading by Example" session before lunch will showcase role models and their achievements.
Demand continues to rise and attendance is expected to surpass previous years. Registration and further details are available at renewableni.com/smart-energy-26/
Latest Northern Ireland News
20 February 2026
PSNI Detects 779 Speeding Drivers During Severe Weather Warnings
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has released alarming figures showing that 779 drivers were detected speeding over just two days this year, despite official weather warnings for heavy rain.
PSNI Detects 779 Speeding Drivers During Severe Weather Warnings
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has released alarming figures showing that 779 drivers were detected speeding over just two days this year, despite official weather warnings for heavy rain.
20 February 2026
PHA Issues Urgent Vaccination Reminder Following Measles Outbreaks
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a renewed appeal for parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases. The call comes in response to a recent outbreak of measles in England, highlighting the risks posed by the highly infectious virus.
PHA Issues Urgent Vaccination Reminder Following Measles Outbreaks
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a renewed appeal for parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases. The call comes in response to a recent outbreak of measles in England, highlighting the risks posed by the highly infectious virus.
20 February 2026
Two Arrested In Lisburn Illegal Money Lending Investigation
Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Predatory Lending Team carried out two arrests on Thursday, 19 February. A 36-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were detained in Lisburn. The arrests were made on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity.
Two Arrested In Lisburn Illegal Money Lending Investigation
Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Predatory Lending Team carried out two arrests on Thursday, 19 February. A 36-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman were detained in Lisburn. The arrests were made on suspicion of illegal money lending and related criminal activity.
20 February 2026
Sinn Féin MLA Demands Guarantees Over Classroom Assistant Support
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has challenged the Education Authority (EA) and the DUP Education Minister to provide an explicit guarantee that no child currently receiving classroom assistant support will lose it under newly proposed changes. The West Belfast representative expressed deep concern following the release of a new policy by the EA.
Sinn Féin MLA Demands Guarantees Over Classroom Assistant Support
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has challenged the Education Authority (EA) and the DUP Education Minister to provide an explicit guarantee that no child currently receiving classroom assistant support will lose it under newly proposed changes. The West Belfast representative expressed deep concern following the release of a new policy by the EA.
20 February 2026
PSNI Records 101 Referrals in Ongoing Presbyterian Church Safeguarding Probe
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a major update regarding its criminal investigation into safeguarding failures within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).
PSNI Records 101 Referrals in Ongoing Presbyterian Church Safeguarding Probe
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a major update regarding its criminal investigation into safeguarding failures within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI).
20 February 2026
Lowest Catholic PSNI Application Levels in Over a Decade Spark Alarm
Colin McGrath MLA, an SDLP member of the Policing Board, has stated that the dwindling number of Catholic applicants to the PSNI should be a cause for significant concern. In the most recent recruitment drive, only 27% of applicants were from a Catholic background, marking the lowest percentage recorded since 2013.
Lowest Catholic PSNI Application Levels in Over a Decade Spark Alarm
Colin McGrath MLA, an SDLP member of the Policing Board, has stated that the dwindling number of Catholic applicants to the PSNI should be a cause for significant concern. In the most recent recruitment drive, only 27% of applicants were from a Catholic background, marking the lowest percentage recorded since 2013.
20 February 2026
Smart Energy 2026 To Return To Belfast In Five Weeks
Billed as Northern Ireland's leading renewable electricity conference, Smart Energy continues to expand, drawing Executive Ministers, senior policymakers, international CEOs and industry figures.
Smart Energy 2026 To Return To Belfast In Five Weeks
Billed as Northern Ireland's leading renewable electricity conference, Smart Energy continues to expand, drawing Executive Ministers, senior policymakers, international CEOs and industry figures.
20 February 2026
Belfast Rapid Transport 2 Remains On Schedule – DfI
The Department for Infrastructure has provided an update on the Belfast Rapid Transport 2 (BRT2) scheme, stating the project remains on schedule. The Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025 and the department is appointing engineering consultants to carry out the detailed design and delivery programme.
Belfast Rapid Transport 2 Remains On Schedule – DfI
The Department for Infrastructure has provided an update on the Belfast Rapid Transport 2 (BRT2) scheme, stating the project remains on schedule. The Outline Business Case was approved in December 2025 and the department is appointing engineering consultants to carry out the detailed design and delivery programme.
20 February 2026
Alliance Call For Statutory Duty Of Candour With Health Framework
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has welcomed the Department of Health's publication of the Being Open Framework, yet cautioned that it must be followed by a legally enforceable statutory duty of candour to truly transform Northern Ireland's health service.
Alliance Call For Statutory Duty Of Candour With Health Framework
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has welcomed the Department of Health's publication of the Being Open Framework, yet cautioned that it must be followed by a legally enforceable statutory duty of candour to truly transform Northern Ireland's health service.
20 February 2026
Kimmins Commits To Fermanagh Road Safety And Infrastructure Upgrades
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has completed a site visit to County Fermanagh, engaging with residents and elected representatives in Belcoo and Derrygonnelly to address local road safety and infrastructure concerns. The visit highlighted the Department's ongoing investment in the Fermanagh road network, which has seen over £3.
Kimmins Commits To Fermanagh Road Safety And Infrastructure Upgrades
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has completed a site visit to County Fermanagh, engaging with residents and elected representatives in Belcoo and Derrygonnelly to address local road safety and infrastructure concerns. The visit highlighted the Department's ongoing investment in the Fermanagh road network, which has seen over £3.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.