Highlights of Lusophone cooperation at COP28
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) took place between 30 November and 12 December, providing important debates and negotiations. Several co-operation agreements were signed during the COP, reflecting the global commitment to tackling climate challenges.
3xRenewables
In September, the Global Renewables Alliance developed, together with other companies committed to the promotion of renewable energies, the "3xRenewables" campaign, which ALER also promoted and signed.
This campaign, which appealed to world leaders at COP28, achieved its goal by securing a historic agreement to triple renewable energy production capacity by 2030.
Effective implementation of this agreement will require urgent action, adequate funding, rapid permitting, new resilient grids and supply chains, promoting investments, job creation and providing affordable access to clean and secure energy.
More information here.
Lusophone cooperation activities
Panel dedicated to the debate on "Climate Finance: Opportunities, Challenges and Perspectives"
On December 4th, the Government of Mozambique was able to present a panel dedicated to the debate on "Climate Finance: Opportunities, Challenges and Perspectives", which was attended by speakers from Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.
During this panel, the need for intergovernmental coordination as a key element in climate finance was highlighted, as it covers all sectors of CPLP governments.
Meeting of the Lusophone Nucleus
The Angola Stand was the stage for a debate on innovative sources of financing for climate action and the exchange of experiences of Portuguese-speaking countries on debt for climate action. More info here.
Angola Pavilion hosts event of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries
"Climate, Common Heritage", was the motto of the activity held at the Angolan Pavilion which was attended by the Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environment of São Tomé and Príncipe, Adelino Rosa Cardoso, Special Advisor for Climate Change, Alexandre Nevsky, representing the Minister of Environment of Cape Verde, Gilberto Silva, Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau, Maria Antonieta Lopes D'Alva, Paulo Magalhães, Executive Director of the Common House of Humidity, was chaired by the Angolan Secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Paula Francisco Coelho. More info here.
Importance of converting debt into climate finance
During COP28, São Tomé and Príncipe and Portugal signed an agreement that provides for the conversion of part of São Tomé's debt to the State Portuguese, in the amount of 3.5 million euros, into climate finance for the next two years.
In June this year, the Government of Cabo Verde and Portugal signed a protocol to finance the Climate and Environmental Fund, converting €12 million of Cabo Verde's debt to support financing and invest in the country's climate transition.
Belgium also pledged to alleviate Mozambique's debt of €2.4 million, conditional on the funds being invested in projects that address climate vulnerability and reduce emissions.
The funds will be directed to initiatives that complement the cooperation program between Belgium and Mozambique, and will be used for technical assistance, capacity building for disaster risk management agencies, and clean energy transition efforts at the community level.
African Small Island States Demand Access to Finance to Fight Climate Change
During COP28, the African Island States Climate Commission (AISCC) hosted a side event titled "Transition to a Climate Resilient Future," highlighting the concerns of African SIDS.
African ministers stressed the urgency of accessing adaptation finance to combat harmful climate effects. Countries such as Sao Tome and Principe and Cape Verde have underlined the need for coastal protection and developed innovative initiatives, such as the Blue-x platform for sustainable financial instruments.
Announcement and signature of national strategies and projects
Launch of Mozambique's energy transition strategy
On the third day of COP28, Mozambique's US$80 billion energy transition strategy was announced to promote renewable resources in the country, positioning Mozambique as a sustainable investment destination and enabling the supply of energy to the population.
Angola presents the National Climate Action Strategy (2022-2035)
Angola presented the National Strategy for Climate Change (ENAC) 2022-2035, whose plan includes several departments of ministries, with a view to reducing the percentage of greenhouse gases in the country.
EDM and Africa50 sign MoU for Renewable Energy Production and Transport Projects
Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) is consolidating its position as a key player in the country's energy transition, having signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on 2 December.
The MoU stipulates the collaboration between Africa50 and EDM in the development of Photovoltaic Power Plants in Montepuez and Angoche, with capacities of 100MW and 60MW, respectively, and a 100MW Floating Solar Power Plant in the Chicama reservoir.
In addition, it was agreed to implement electricity transmission projects, covering the Metoro–Montepuez–Marrupa, Maputo–Matutuine and Massinga–Vilankulo lines, each with its corresponding substations. These projects aim to promote the production of renewable energy and strengthen the national electricity infrastructure.
BNI signs partnership for the development of the Matambo Solar Energy project
Also at COP28, the National Investment Bank (BNI) formalized, on December 4, a Joint Development Agreement with the companies AMEA Power of the United Arab Emirates and Hidropower of Mozambique.
This agreement aims to create a Photovoltaic Power Plant, with an estimated annual capacity of between 125 and 200 MWp and an estimated cost of between USD 150 and 250 million.
The Matambo Solar Energy Project, resulting from this agreement, provides for a significant annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, playing a crucial role in meeting the energy demand.
Signed agreement for the construction and operation of Quipungo Photovoltaic Power Plant
During COP28, an agreement was signed for the construction of the Quipungo Photovoltaic Power Plant will be built through an MoU for the development of renewable projects in public-private partnership with the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC-Masdar.
The President of the Angolan Republic, João Lourenço, signed the agreement by Presidential Decree, stressing that the Executive's commitment to the implementation and development of the renewable energy sector, especially in solar energy generation, aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create improved environmental and public health conditions for the population.
Participation of the Mozambican Renewable Energy Association (AMER)
For the first time, a National Renewable Energy Association of Lusophone African Countries was present to accompany a COP. More information here.