Author: Yegho Rodrigues

The session focused on “The Role of Regulation in the Petroleum Sector for Decarbonization.”

The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) and RELOP jointly organized the 3rd ALSF-RELOP Legal Webinar on November 28.

Moderated by César Vamos Ver from ALSF, the session attracted around 50 participants.

Abelina Chambule, from the National Petroleum Institute (INP), and Victoria Correia, from the National Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), contributed with insights as regulators, sharing perspectives on decarbonization initiatives and ongoing projects in the petroleum sector in Mozambique and Angola.

The event also featured private sector speakers who shared their experiences on the topic. Julia Dias, from ENH, discussed the trajectory and practices adopted by the Mozambican oil company, while Ricardo Silva, from Miranda Alliance, highlighted the International Principles for Energy Transition.

Artur Trindade, Executive Director of RELOP, closed the session by summarizing key points and emphasizing the importance of regulation in the context of Energy Transition.

RELOP members gathered in Foz do Iguaçu to decide the organization’s future

On the morning of November 8, RELOP members convened for the association’s 20th General Assembly. The meeting took place at the Itaipu Binacional facilities, alongside the 1st ARIAE-RELOP International Conference, with the participation of 11 out of its 12 members.

During the session, RELOP’s Working Groups presented the initiatives carried out throughout the year, while the Secretariat shared an overview of collaborations between RELOP and other organizations, as well as a forward-looking perspective on these institutional partnerships for 2025.

Key topics for RELOP’s future were also discussed at the Assembly, including the approval of the 2025 Activity Plan and Budget—the largest ever proposed—with 20 planned activities. Amendments to the bylaws were also approved, establishing new governance bodies: the Administration and the Council of Presidents. The revised bylaws also introduce the possibility of admitting “Associate” and “Observer” members, subject to a General Assembly decision.

At the start of the session, the text of the Iguaçu Declaration was presented and debated. A common draft, agreed upon by ARIAE and RELOP, was approved, reflecting both associations’ commitment to the future of regulation in the energy sector. The Declaration can be accessed here.

Finally, ARENE and INP from Mozambique submitted their candidacy to host RELOP’s annual events in 2025.

Working Groups on Energy Transition and Oil, Gas, Biofuels, and Derivatives held an event in Foz do Iguaçu

On the afternoon of November 7, the RELOP Working Groups organized two thematic workshops in a hybrid format. This program was held alongside the 1st Joint International Conference of ARIAE and RELOP, which brought together members of all the entities comprising RELOP at the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant.

The Energy Transition Working Group focused its session on the theme “Regulatory Best Practices for Energy Transition.” The session featured a virtual opening by ANEEL Director Agnes da Costa.

During the workshop, representatives from the six RELOP member countries presented initiatives being implemented in their nations within the scope of the energy transition. Miguel Alves, from ERSE, introduced the Energy Consumption Efficiency Promotion Plan (PPEC) adopted in Portugal. Gustavo Murad, from ANEEL, explained the auction system used in Brazil and its benefits. Vita Mateso, from ANPG, discussed initiatives for decarbonizing the energy sector in Angola. Célsio Quaresma, from ANP-STP, highlighted the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (PANER) implemented in São Tomé and Príncipe and the opportunities it has created for the country. Aline Conceição, from ARME, provided a brief summary of energy transition regulations in Cape Verde. Telma Nkutumula, from ARENE, detailed Mozambique’s Energy Transition Strategy.

Following the presentations, the new coordination for the Working Group for 2025 was announced, with ENSE, represented by Fernando Martins, taking over the coordination role, and ANEEL, represented by Djane Melo, assuming the deputy coordination role.

The Working Group on Oil, Gas, Biofuels, and Derivatives focused its session on the theme “ESG in Oil Activities.” The session featured three remote speakers.

João Russo, from the oil company Azule Energy, began his presentation by discussing the company and its operations in Angola. He highlighted the company’s environmental and social initiatives as well as governance best practices adopted by the oil firm.

Carolina Cruz, from the sustainability consulting firm C-MORE, provided an overview of the evolution of ESG issues in Europe and other markets and shared sustainable governance best practices. She also discussed sustainability solutions offered by the company and shared examples of initiatives adopted by its clients.

Emanuel Bernardo, President of the Angolan Carbon Markets Association, addressed the evolution of Angola’s energy sector and explained the development of carbon markets in the country and the benefits they bring. He also discussed actions the association has taken, in partnership with companies, to offset emissions in Angola.

The event enjoyed significant participation from RELOP members and provided insights into the activities and realities of the association’s Working Groups for all its members.

The event, organized by RELOP, will take place on May 27–28, 2025, in Cascais.

On November 15, 2024, the Portugal Pavilion at COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, hosted the official launch of the II Energy Conference of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

The ceremony featured RELOP, represented by Dércio Monteiro from the National Petroleum Institute (INP), which currently holds the Association’s vice-presidency. During his speech, Monteiro highlighted the importance of “promoting an environment conducive to the development of partnerships and the formulation of joint strategies that positively impact our countries.” He further noted that this ambition has already begun to take shape through the CPLP Energy and Climate Seminar Series. Monteiro stressed that the success of the conference will depend on the participants’ “ability to turn ideas into actions,” inviting everyone to actively engage in the event and discussions on the energy future of the Lusophone space.

Over two days, Cascais will host discussions on the latest developments and anchor projects in energy transitions across CPLP countries, aiming to enhance endogenous resources and diversify the energy mix. This effort seeks to ensure universal, reliable, and affordable access to energy while supporting socioeconomic development.

This high-level event, featuring Energy Ministers from CPLP countries, will provide numerous networking and visibility opportunities through plenary and parallel sessions, an exhibition area, social zones, and a VIP gala dinner.

The II CPLP Energy Conference is scheduled for May 27–28, 2025, at the Estoril Congress Center in Cascais. Organized by RELOP in partnership with the Lusophone Association for Renewable Energies (ALER), the event is promoted by São Tomé and Príncipe’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Natural Resources under the São Toméan presidency of the CPLP.

For more information about the event: https://energiacplp.com/

Watch the Launch Ceremony: https://youtu.be/vlL07_ZYmKs

RELOP contributes with a publication dedicated to the energy sector of Portuguese-speaking countries

Dedicated to the 1st CPLP Energy and Climate Seminar, held on July 2 at the CPLP headquarters in Lisbon, the first edition of the Energy and Climate in the CPLP magazine brings together various articles addressing climate financing mechanisms aimed at accelerating the energy transition in CPLP Member States.

This edition highlights pathways for sustainability and energy transition in the region, shares some of the national strategies adopted by Member States, presents proposals to foster cooperation and dialogue within the CPLP, and emphasizes the crucial role of regulatory frameworks in promoting access to climate financing.

RELOP contributed with two significant articles: “The Role of Regulatory Frameworks in Promoting Access to Financing”, a summary of one of the seminar panels, and “GTE: RELOP’s Energy Transition Working Group”, which details the functioning and work carried out by the GTE.

Edited and published by ALER, this first edition also features contributions from the National Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANPG).

See the full issue here.