From legacy fuels to a flexible energy future
Downstream 2027 explores how New Zealand is reshaping its energy system – across infrastructure, markets, and industry.
Downstream returns to Tākina in March 2027
28 May 2026Downstream - New Zealand's leading energy conference - will return to Tākina Wellington on 10-11 March 2027. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the event will focus on the future of energy - covering key themes such as security, decarbonisation, infrastructure development, and emerging technologies. Set in the heart of the capital, Downstream 2027 promises two days of insightful discussions, expert speakers, and valuable networking opportunities. Super saver tickets are now available - secure your place early and save.
Read more →
Downstream 2026 in review
27 May 2026Downstream 2026 brought together 578 attendees from 231 organisations, convening leaders and experts to examine the strategic, regulatory, and operational challenges shaping New Zealand's energy future. The programme - spanning keynotes, panels, and case studies - focused on energy transition pathways, supply chain resilience, infrastructure readiness, and evolving market and policy settings. More importantly, it reinforced the event's role as a critical forum for cross-sector engagement.
Read more →Why this forum matters now
- gas supply is tightening, driving industrial uncertainty
- electrification is accelerating, but not always feasible
- flexibility is becoming critical, affecting storage, demand and backup
- market design is evolving, with revenue risk increasing
- transition decisions are now commercial, not theoretical
What is Downstream?
Downstream is New Zealand’s leading forum on how energy is produced, moved, traded, and used – focusing on the intersection of:
- thermal and renewable generation
- electricity markets and flexibility
- industrial energy use
- fuel mix, and emerging options
- policy, pricing, and investment signals
Who should attend
- energy producers (gas, power, renewables)
- industrial energy users (manufacturing, process heat)
- retailers and gentailers
- infrastructure and networks
- government, market bodies, regulators
- investors, banks, funds
- technology providers (flexibility, storage, fuels)
What you will take away
- political priorities and policy signals shaping investment
- energy security steps and status
- where flexibility revenue will come from
- how firms are managing gas risk and supply
- commercial realities of electrification vs alternatives
- real project case studies (success + failure)
- technology impact and options
- future market scenarios
Downstream format
- plenary strategy sessions (big picture)
- industry debates
- operator-level case studies
- open round tables
- focused streams and masterclasses
- technology
- fuels
- generation and infrastructure
- future grid
- C+I users
- distributed energy
0
Attendees
0
Organisations
0
Speakers
0
Sponsors and exhibitors
Feedback
“I thoroughly enjoyed the event and learned a lot about the industry”
- 2026 delegate
Venue and location
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s capital, Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre is the meeting point for Downstream 2027.
Purpose‑built for major events, Tākina offers modern, flexible spaces with state‑of‑the‑art technology, all within walking distance of Wellington’s waterfront, hotels, and vibrant dining scene, and just 15 minutes from the airport.
Preferential delegate accommodation rates at nearby hotels will be available soon.