In the context of meetMED Twinning Cities Agreements, the Portuguese Agency for Energy – ADENE in coordination with the municipalities of Palmela (Portugal) and Málaga (Spain) hosted a three-day study tour from October 15 to 17, 2024. This event was attended by official delegations representing the municipality of Tata (Morocco), the Moroccan Agency For Energy Efficiency (AMEE) and the Spanish Government’s Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE).

Study tour to Palmela (Portugal) – 15/16 Oct.

The tour commenced with welcome remarks from the Mayor of Palmela,

Álvaro Amaro. Representatives from Tata and Málaga introduced their municipalities, followed by a presentation by ADENE highlighting its collaboration with local authorities. Afterward, the Palmela Municipality and ENA – the regional Energy and Environment Agency of Arrábida presented several efficiency projects, focusing on both energy and water waste management. The tour to Palmela was concluded by technical site visits including Pinhal Novo Swimming Pool Building that recently underwent renovations to enhance energy efficiency, resulting in significant energy savings. And a tour at a large solar photovoltaic plant owned by Smartenergy Portugal showcased how clean energy projects can be integrated into the environment and coexist with local economic activities. Notably, an agreement with a local shepherd allows sheep to graze on the property, helping manage vegetation while providing food for the animals.

Study tour to Málaga (Spain) – 17 Oct.

On the final day of the study tour, the delegations visited Málaga, where the agenda included a series of presentations and site visits to showcase the city’s efforts in energy efficiency and sustainable development. Participants were received by Monserrat Blanco Nieto, Head of the European Programmes Department. Followed by introductions from Palmela and Tata representatives and a presentation from IDAE which highlighted the agency’s programmes promoting EE in buildings and the sustainable urban development of small municipalities in particular. Afterwards, Málaga team delivered presentations on the 70 self-consumption photovoltaic (PV) plants installed across municipal buildings; overview on the improvements in energy efficiency within local municipal housing; introduction to a project for constructing 467 energy-efficient homes aimed at affordable renting and how the Centesimal project is turning Málaga into a cognitive city. During the afternoon site visits participants had the opportunity to witness several innovative projects in action including a recently renovated municipal housing building demonstrated the city’s commitment to energy-efficient living spaces. Participants also explored an innovative self-consumption project installed at one of Málaga’s largest cemeteries, PARCEMASA. This project exemplifies how public spaces can adopt sustainable energy solutions.

The tour concluded at La Tabacalera, an old tobacco factory that has been converted into a solar-powered facility housing various municipal services, museums, and innovation spaces.

The study tour provided valuable insights into energy efficiency projects and sustainable practices, fostering collaboration between the participating municipalities and enhancing their collective efforts in energy management.