Portugal pitches role in China–Europe green cooperation

Catarina Soares and Rita Santos [Photo; Ricaela Diputado]

At the 2026 Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF), the Portuguese Association of Environmental Technology Companies (APEMETA) said Portugal is positioned as a strategic hub for European-Chinese environmental cooperation, leveraging historical ties with Macau beyond its role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

At the exhibition, project manager Rita Silva told the Times that Portugal is leveraging its long-lasting connections with Macau not only as a gateway to China but also as a strategic hub for European-Chinese cooperation in environmental technology.

According to Silva, APEMETA is a private, non-profit association with more than 200 member associates that bring together companies working within the environmental sector, including the water sector, the waste sector, the energy sector, the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, and the smart city sector.

The association, while supporting the sectors in their daily activities, organizes trainings and seminars and also does work outside of Portugal. “Disseminating their interests, their skills and their technologies, and searching for opportunities for synergies. We act like their eyes and their ears, and help them save funds by not having to send their own staff,” Silva stated.

The project manager revealed specific market demands from Portuguese firms, noting that they are actively looking for partnerships in energy storage, metal recycling, and consultancy/ICT.

Silva noted that APEMETA remains an active bridge all year round, beyond this year’s MIECF exhibition. “We have partnerships with several local associations, including Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (CPTTM), the Macao Association of Environmental Protection Industry, and the Macao Low Carbon Development Association.”

She added, “We can accelerate, provide what Macau needs, accept offers, and partner for the needs of the GBA, connecting European and Chinese interests in environmental technology and sustainability.”

Lack of green land

When asked how Macau’s lack of space for traditional renewables, such as solar or wind energy, fits into the green sector, Silva suggested a concrete solution of renewable energy communities.

The project manager suggested that Macau’s urban landscape is suited for neighborhoods or public services, such as schools or public lighting, to co-develop energy projects. “I think the most efficient use of resources is the first step to decreasing the need for energy. One important step that I think Macau is already adopting is waste incineration for energy production.”

She continued, “But you could also take the opportunity to develop renewable energy communities. Some neighborhoods could take advantage of their situation and urban landscape to develop or co-develop projects for energy supply, at least for some more specific or common needs.”

Some recommendations mentioned by Silva include, “Even if it’s not possible to attain full energy neutrality or autonomy, at least some common spaces – such as schools, sports clubs, gardens, public lighting, and public services – could have their energy fed by renewable sources. That would require collaboration between different entities.”

A cost to non-action

Speaking about the green sector, the project manager told the Times that it becomes valuable when companies are able to place importance on their work, their knowledge, and the added benefit of more environmentally friendly performance. “There is merit in that, and there is a cost to non-action. Companies and projects – whether in real estate, industrial, or any other area – must be willing and aware of this cost of non-action,” she said.

Silva concluded, saying, “We are using many more resources than we can afford. Sooner or later, this becomes a problem not only environmentally but also economically, because we are not very effective in our use of resources – and therefore money.” Ricaela Diputado