ACEF 2026 Abstract Submission Guidelines

A Quick Guide to Help You Choose the Right Thematic Track for Your Abstract

The ACEF 2026 Thematic Tracks take an integrated, cross-sectional approach to energy planning, implementation, and management. Use this guide to find where your work fits best.

How to use this guide

1

Read the track overviews

Browse all four tracks and their subsessions below to understand what each one covers.

2

Check "Best fit if…"

Each subsession has a short "Best fit" statement. Find the one that matches your abstract's core focus.

3

Match your topic tags

Compare your subject area to the typical topics listed. Pick the subsession with the most overlap.

The ACEF 2026 Thematic Tracks emphasize strong and secure energy systems; reliable and stable energy supply; inclusion and equity in energy planning; and smart and intelligent energy systems that use AI and advanced analytics. We believe this integrated approach will result in deeper, more interesting presentations and discussions. This guide has been developed by the ACEF Operations Team to help you select where your work can best be highlighted.
1

Building Security for Sufficient Energy Systems and Sustainable Economic Growth

Subsession 1.1

Energy Infrastructure Resilience

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Strengthening energy infrastructure to reduce disruptions and maintaining reliable supply.

Typical topics include
Grid hardening Storage resilience Cyber & physical security Climate resilience Backup systems Recovery planning
Subsession 1.2

Diversification of Energy Sources

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Improving energy security by expanding and balancing the energy mix.

Typical topics include
Fuel diversification Renewable & conventional mix Domestic resource development Storage-backed renewables Firm power Country-specific pathways
Subsession 1.3

Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Energy Security

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Policies, regulations, and institutions that support energy security.

Typical topics include
Energy security policy Planning standards Reserve margins Emergency response Cross-border energy trade Regional cooperation Investment-enabling regulation
Subsession 1.4

Technological Innovation and Smart Integrated Systems

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Digital and integrated system solutions that improve reliability, coordination, and energy security.

Typical topics include
Smart grids AI & IoT Digital system integration Real-time monitoring Energy exchanges Cross-border coordination
2

Powering Through: Enhancing the Resilience of Energy Systems for Stable and Reliable Supply

Subsession 2.1

Anticipating and Managing Disruptions

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from events that disrupt energy systems.

Typical topics include
Climate risks Extreme weather Cyber incidents Supply chain disruptions Contingency planning Redundancy Crisis response
Subsession 2.2

Diversification and Decentralization of Energy Sources

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Decentralized energy solutions that improve reliability during disruptions.

Typical topics include
Microgrids Distributed generation Islandable systems Community energy systems Resilient renewable integration
Subsession 2.3

Smart Infrastructure and Predictive Technologies

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Digital tools that help detect risks early, prevent failures, and improve energy system reliability.

Typical topics include
Predictive maintenance Fault detection AI-based monitoring Outage prevention Digital twins Asset performance analytics
Subsession 2.4

Policy, Investment, and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

The financing, governance, and partnerships needed to build more resilient energy systems.

Typical topics include
PPPs Resilience investment frameworks Blended finance Insurance Utility-regulator coordination Cross-sector collaboration
3

Forging Inclusion in Developing Energy Systems Strategy and Planning

Subsession 3.1

Embedding Equity in Energy Policy Frameworks

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Integrating equity and inclusion into energy policies, strategies, and planning frameworks.

Typical topics include
Inclusive policy design Just transition frameworks Energy access policy Affordability Gender-responsive policy Equity indicators
Subsession 3.2

Community-Centered Energy Planning

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Involving communities directly in energy planning and project design.

Typical topics include
Participatory planning Community engagement Community ownership Social acceptance Inclusive decision-making
Subsession 3.3

Inclusive Innovation and Technology Deployment

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Deploying new energy technologies in ways that benefit underserved and marginalized groups.

Typical topics include
Clean energy access Last-mile delivery Mini-grids Inclusive technology design Equitable deployment models
Subsession 3.4

Financing and Partnerships for Beyond Just Energy Transition

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Financing models and partnerships that help vulnerable groups participate in and benefit from the energy transition.

Typical topics include
Concessional finance Blended finance Community finance Inclusive business models Subsidy design Donor partnerships Access-focused investment
4

Fostering Intelligent Energy Systems – Going Beyond Transition

Subsession 4.1

Smart Grid Integration and Real-Time Energy Management

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Digital tools and system design that improve the operation, flexibility, and integration of modern power systems.

Typical topics include
Smart grids DER integration Demand response Virtual power plants Advanced metering Flexibility markets Real-time balancing
Subsession 4.2

AI-Driven Analytics, Data Management, and Cybersecurity

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

How data, analytics, and cybersecurity support the safe and efficient operation of modern energy systems.

Typical topics include
AI for forecasting AI for optimization Data platforms Interoperability Digital governance Cyber resilience System risk management
Subsession 4.3

Digitalization and AI for Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Supply Chains

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

Using digital tools and AI to improve the discovery, processing, and management of critical minerals and rare earths for clean energy.

Typical topics include
AI in exploration Geospatial analysis Digital mining systems Process optimization Traceability Supply chain intelligence
Subsession 4.4

Digitalization, Environment, and People

Best fit if your abstract focuses on

The policy, workforce, social, and environmental dimensions of digital and intelligent energy systems.

Typical topics include
Skills development Workforce readiness Digital inclusion Data center-energy linkages Environmental impacts Consumer protection Equitable access

Ready to submit your abstract?

Send your abstract of no more than 150 words to the ACEF 2026 Organising Team by 26 March 2026, 11:59 PM GMT+8.

Submit Your Abstract