The Smart Energy 2026 Conference in Curitiba focuses on sustainable mobility and financing for the energy transition, bringing together experts from academia, government, and the private sector to discuss the future of clean energy.
The city of Curitiba is preparing to host Smart Energy 2026 – International Conference on Intelligent Energies, an event that promises to be a landmark in the discussion about the future of energy in Brazil. On September 22 and 23, at the Campus da Indústria of the Fiep System, renowned experts will gather to discuss the direction of the energy transition, with a special focus on sustainable mobility and financing strategies to drive innovation and the adoption of clean technologies.
The meeting, which includes active participation from academia, the private sector, and government bodies, stands out for the depth of its discussions. Topics such as the use of biomethane in gas grids, energy efficiency in electric mobility, and the search for low-carbon solutions will be central, aiming to connect production potential with the real market and accelerate decarbonization at the state and national levels.
Biomethane: A Boost for Piped Gas Networks
One of the highlight panels on the second day of the conference will address the topic “Biomethane in Piped Gas Networks: Regulatory Advances and Challenges for Distribution.” The discussion aims to identify the regulatory, technical, and market advances necessary to expand the use of biomethane, a renewable and competitive energy source, in piped gas distribution networks.
Thiago Olinda, coordinator of Biofuels, Natural Gas, and Renewable Hydrogen at Supen – General Superintendence of Energy Management of Paraná, emphasizes the importance of the debate:
“This discussion is fundamental to transforming production potential into a real market, expanding access to biomethane, which is a renewable and competitive source. Regulatory and infrastructure advancement are essential to scale investments and accelerate decarbonization in the state and the country.”
Joining him will be panelists from ANP, Agepar, and Compagas, enriching the perspective on the subject.
Smart Mobility: From Combustion Engine to Electrification
Another crucial point of the conference will be the session “Energy Efficiency and Mobility: From Combustion to Electrification.” The panel will bring together figures such as Christian Michael Wahnfried, expert in Requirements, Fuels, and Emissions at Bosch, Gilles-Laurent Grimberg, CEO of Actioil Brazil, and Professor Luiz Ramos from the Federal University of Paraná. The conversation will delve into the evolution of mobility, from combustion engines to increasing electrification, considering the entire energy ecosystem.
Gilles-Laurent Grimberg highlights the joint evolution:
“The proposal is not to position combustion, hybrid, and electric as competing technologies. The intention is to show where each solution makes sense and, especially, to analyze the path of energy: from the source to what actually reaches the wheels.”
Actioil will present its work in fuel treatment for the energy transition, promoting efficiency and cost reduction. Christian Michael Wahnfried, from Bosch, will share his experiences in decarbonizing the automotive sector, addressing strategies to link the energy transition with reducing environmental impact.
Fostering Energy Transition: Financing and Innovation
The panel “Fostering Energy Transition and Low-Carbon Innovation” will bring to light the tools and financing mechanisms available to drive the adoption of clean energy. This debate will feature participants such as Paulo Resende, from Finep, Expedito Parente, from Nexbio, and Rogério Meneghetti, superintendent of Renewable Energies at Itaipu.
Finep, an agency for fostering innovation, will present its credit lines and grants, essential for the development of mature and pioneering technologies. Paulo Resende explains the diversity of options:
“Both direct financing and credit are important. Therefore, we have repayable credit, with subsidized rates for implementing projects that aim to achieve more mature technology, including pioneering implementation. Regularly, we also have calls for economic grants focused on the energy transition.”
He also emphasizes partnerships with local agencies to support entrepreneurs with structured investment plans for the energy transition.
Itaipu, in turn, will demonstrate its commitment to developing low-carbon technologies. Rogério Meneghetti details the initiatives:
“Itaipu has been investing in developing technologies for biofuel production through its technological foundation, Itaipu Parquetec, and other research institutions, such as CIBiogás.”
The plant has been driving biomethane production and research in green hydrogen (H₂V) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), acting as a true living laboratory for startups.
Smart Energy 2026: An Innovation Ecosystem
The International Conference on Intelligent Energies, organized by the Paraná Technology and Metrology Network with the support of Eletron Energia, consolidates itself as a vital space for knowledge exchange and partnership formation. In parallel, the Thematic Fair and the Energy Efficiency Forum will offer unique opportunities for networking and showcasing success cases. Registration for the event is now open, but spots are limited.
Smart Energy 2026 reinforces the importance of collaboration among different sectors to accelerate the energy transition and build a more sustainable future. The discussions on mobility and financing point the way towards innovations that will benefit not only the energy sector but society as a whole.
