Australia Future Energy Challenge 2026

Win a cash prize, present in front of industry experts at the RFD Technology Summit and share your vision for the future of energy.

Here is everything you need to know…

What’s it all about?

The RFD Australia Future Energy Challenge 2026 gives emerging professionals the opportunity to showcase their verbal and digital communication skills by answering one big question:

What needs to be done to ensure a bright future for the energy industry?

Applicants should present their response through a three-minute video. This challenge invites students from all energy related disciplines, to tell us in 180 seconds who really is responsible for the future of the industry, what does it look like and how can it be achieved?

Submissions will be judged on both the strength of their ideas and the impact of their delivery. The digital format allows room for creativity, multimedia storytelling and unique interpretation.

Who can enter?

All current students and recent graduates (less than two years), in energy or mining related disciplines from Australia, New Zealand, Timor-Leste or Papa New Guinea regions.

What’s in it for you?

Two regional winners will be selected, each winner will receive a cash prize and be invited to attend our Technology Summit in Perth (6th May) or Brisbane (13th May) depending on location, with travel and accommodation provided. Winners will present their ideas live to the conference audience and gain valuable early-career exposure and networking opportunities within the energy industry.

How do I participate?!

Submit your 3 minute video by 3rd April 2026. The winners will be selected and contacted after this date.

Top tips to help you get started:

Consider the breadth of the question.

What does the question mean, does it mean different things to different audiences, different societies, different generations?

Who is even responsible for this, is it up to governments or down to the communities?

What can, should and needs to be done? Do things need to change, do they need to continue, or pivot, perhaps?

Explore what a bright future of the industry actually looks like, can you put it into words and perhaps into video or imagery?

If you have any questions please contact Lilly Walker: lilly.walker@rfdyn.com