Microgrid & Energy Storage Innovation Forum

Powering the Next Era of Distributed Energy

21th Edition
December 1-2, 2026
Chicago

The Energy System Is Being Rewritten

The global energy landscape is undergoing a structural shift, with microgrids and energy storage playing a central role in enabling a more resilient and decentralized system

Market Growth

The microgrid market is projected to grow at up to ~19–20% CAGR, reaching $400+ billion in value by the early 2030s

glass paneled long wooden floored hallway

Expanding Capacity

U.S. capacity is rapidly expanding, driven by resilience needs and rising demand from data centers and critical infrastructure

Energy Storage Deployments

Battery energy storage deployments around the globe are growing at over 20% annually -- markets are expected to exceed $99B by 2033

U.S. Installations

In the U.S. alone, storage installations surged ~30% in 2025, with continued growth expected in 2026

The 21st edition of the Microgrid & Energy Storage Innovation Forum, December 1-2, 2026 in Chicago brings together global leaders, utilities, developers, and innovators shaping the future of energy systems — where microgrids and energy storage are redefining how power is generated, managed, and delivered.

If your organization is facing challenges posed by energy availability and reliability, grid resiliency and rising costs, this is a must-attend event.

Where resilience, decarbonization, and digitalization converge

Sponsor

Exhibit

Speak

Unlock New Revenue & Business Models
Explore how Energy-as-a-Service, hybrid systems, and distributed assets are reshaping project economics and accelerating deployment

Deliver Resilience & Decarbonization
Learn how organizations are meeting net-zero goals while ensuring reliable, 24/7 power in an era of extreme weather and grid instability

Integrate Next-Gen Technologies
Dive into AI-driven energy management, long-duration storage, and advanced DER orchestration transforming modern grids

Scale Faster, Smarter
Understand how developers and utilities are navigating interconnection, policy shifts, and supply chain challenges

Network One-on-One with Key Executives
Build relationships with decision makers, customers and technology thought leaders across the energy storage & microgrid sector

Why Attend

Hybrid Energy Systems at Scale
Solar + storage + flexible generation are becoming the standard architecture for resilient energy systems

Long-Duration Energy Storage
New technologies are emerging to support 24/7 clean power —critical for data centers and industrial loads

Data Centers & Electrification Boom
Rapid growth in AI and digital infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for reliable, on-site energy solutions

Grid Edge Intelligence
Digitalization, AI, and IoT are enabling real-time optimization of microgrids and distributed energy resources

Policy, Incentives & Market Design
From tax credits to localization rules, understand how regulation is shaping investment and deployment strategies

Key Themes for 2026

View the 2026 Call for Speakers

Who attends?

Microgrid project owners and developers
Utility and renewable energy provider professionals
Energy managers at municipal and C&I end user organizations
Power control system and software vendors
Battery suppliers and energy storage companies
Regulatory and policy development professionals
Researchers, analysts and academic professionals focused on sustainable energy
Financial and VC professionals
System integrators and project consultants

"This was a great networking opportunity. Speakers were interesting in and of themselves, but the mix (tech, policy, regulatory, markets) made for deeper conversations than most events provide."

-- Paul Roege, Vice President - Strategic Initiatives, Typhoon HIL

"Excellent conference. Nice balance of participants from utilities to vendors to consultants. Great cross-section of participants."

-- Joel Jorgenson, CEO and President,
BWR Innovations