Setúbal, Portugal
Latest news and stories from Sines.
Google officially launched its new transatlantic submarine cable, Nuvem, which connects Myrtle Beach in the United States to Sines. The infrastructure aims to increase the resilience of digital communications across the North Atlantic and is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Former government ministers are urging action regarding the pending deal between Galp and Moeve, warning that Portugal risks losing control of its only oil refinery in Sines. Experts cited concerns over reduced market competition and potential costs to taxpayers if the sale proceeds without government oversight.
Update: Minister Luís Neves faces investigation over trailer case
Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves is under scrutiny after the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) found evidence of potential abuse of power and embezzlement. The investigation concerns the handover of a seized trailer to a contractor who previously held public contracts with the PJ, with Neves promising to gather documents to clarify the situation.
Galp is Portugal’s integrated energy company operating in fuel, natural gas, electricity retail, refining and upstream activities, and it supplies households and businesses across the country. For expats, issues at Galp—such as recent billing disruptions—can mean unexpected large utility bills or service problems, so check your account, contact the supplier and keep billing records.
Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) has granted conditional approval to the GreenH2Atlantic hydrogen project at the former Sines power plant. The project, led by a consortium including EDP and Galp, must ensure that water used for production and cooling is either reused or sourced from the sea.
The APA (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente) is Portugal's central environmental authority, responsible for environmental policy, climate action, water resources, waste management, and coastal protection. It operates under the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
APA manages Portugal's water resources including river basins, dam operations, and flood risk planning. It monitors air and water quality, oversees waste treatment facilities, manages the national emissions trading scheme, and leads Portugal's climate adaptation strategies.
The agency is particularly prominent during flood events, as it controls dam discharges and coordinates water management across Portugal's major rivers. APA also processes environmental impact assessments and licenses for projects affecting natural resources.
Portugal and Spain formalised a joint, equal application to build a European artificial‑intelligence 'gigafactory', pitching an estimated €8 billion of investment and planning infrastructure on both sides of the border — with the Portuguese site expected in Sines. The proposal aims to compete for EU support in a spring selection process that will choose several projects under a public‑private framework. Regional businesses, universities and local planners should monitor the bid for procurement and employment opportunities.
Start Campus is planning a data-centre campus in Sines with a projected capacity of 1.2 GW and an estimated €8.5 billion investment, Daniela Silva e Sousa told ECO. The project would rank among the largest foreign private investments in Portugal and could bring jobs and infrastructure demand to the Sines area; it will require regulatory, planning and environmental approvals. Local businesses and municipal authorities should monitor planning notices and community consultations.
Daniela Silva e Sousa is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Start Campus, the company developing the data centre campus in Sines. She spoke to ECO/Advocatus about the project's projected 1.2 GW capacity and the estimated €8.5 billion investment, described as one of the largest foreign private investments in Portugal; investors and those in the energy, construction or local services sectors should follow the project's progress.
Start Campus is the company behind a planned data centre campus in Sines with a projected total capacity of 1.2 GW and an estimated €8.5 billion in foreign private investment. The project will affect local jobs, infrastructure and electricity demand, so residents, local businesses and anyone tracking permits or grid upgrades should monitor its approvals and timelines.
