CPLP strengthens energy cooperation and ALER rewards good practices in member countries

The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) will strengthen cooperation among member states to promote the energy transition, joining efforts and creating synergies that have impact and accelerate the decarbonization processes of their economies, which have progressed at different paces and speeds, said the President of ALER yesterday.

Mayra Pereira spoke at the closing session of the 2nd CPLP Energy Conference, which brought together nearly 500 government officials, managers, companies, financiers, regulators, experts, and various entities from the energy sector at the Estoril Congress Center from May 27 to 28, under the theme Driving a Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Energy Transition for the CPLP.

"Over these two days, we did much more than share information — we connected. We discovered different realities, common challenges, and creative solutions. And more importantly, we recognized each other as brother countries united by a common language," said the ALER president.

At the end of the first day of the event, the Association unveiled its new branding, intended to reflect the new positioning of ALER and the CPLP in the energy sector. “We want a CPLP with a voice, with presence, with impact. And we want that with affection and conviction,” stated Mayra Pereira.

The ceremony also included the presentation of awards to companies and individuals from Lusophone countries in the energy field, recognizing projects, actions, and initiatives aligned with the Conference’s theme. The event was promoted by the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe, which currently holds the CPLP presidency.

The Energy Access Award was granted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Timor-Leste. The Angolan company PRODEL-EP received the Decarbonization Award, and the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy of Equatorial Guinea was honored with the Energy Cooperation Award.

The Rural Electrification Award went to the MCA Group for its photovoltaic energy projects in remote areas of Angola, while the Energy Transition Award was given to the Cape Verdean company Águas de Ponta Preta. The presidency of the Association of Energy Regulators of Portuguese Speaking Countries (RELOP), currently held by ANEEL – National Electric Energy Agency of Brazil, was recognized with the Strategic Partner Award, and the Young Leadership Award was presented to the Ministry of Energy of Guinea-Bissau.

Miquelina Menezes, the first president of ALER, received the Merit and Career Award, and Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe, was named CPLP Energy Personality. Finally, Isabel Cancela de Abreu, ALER’s Executive Director, was awarded the Women in Energy Award.

"More than simply bringing people together, we achieved unity. We built bridges of cooperation, laughed together, and reinforced the idea that our strength lies in the collective. When one of us takes a step, we all dance,” concluded Mayra Pereira.

This high-level event took place alongside the 3rd Meeting of CPLP Energy Ministers, held on 26th May.

With institutional support from Portugal’s Ministry of Environment and Energy, the 2nd CPLP Energy Conference was organized by the Thematic Commission on Energy of the CPLP’s Consultative Observers, coordinated by ALER and RELOP. It occurred ten years after the first edition, which was held under the presidency of Timor-Leste, also in Cascais.

The event's partners included ADENE – Agency for Energy, the Municipality of Cascais, and ENSE – National Entity for the Energy Sector, and was supported by ESMAP – Energy Sector Management Assistance Program, UNDP – United Nations Development Programme, GEF – Global Environment Facility and the African Development Bank.