António Costa was speaking at the end of a session on the expansion project for the Sines industrial complex, with two new industrial units by Repsol Polímeros – an investment, in this first phase, of 657 million euros.
“In June 2025, these factories will be producing and exporting the polymers”, declared the leader of the executive, with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho, Infrastructure, João Galamba, Economy, António Costa Silva, and from the Environment, Duarte Cordeiro, as well as the ambassador of Spain.
The Prime Minister later stressed that “this is the biggest industrial investment in the last ten years”.
“Last year, a new record was reached and we are on our way to achieving successive investment records in the coming years. We cannot be satisfied with the investment already made, we have to continue working so that the investment potential can continue”, he said.
António Costa highlighted that the port of Sines is “one of the largest in Europe and, certainly, the one with the best location for the entire traffic in the South Atlantic, on the Cape route and with convergences with the Mediterranean routes”.
“This logistical system is complemented by the new railway line, which will come into full operation at the beginning of next year and which will allow, for example Repsol, to export what it produces by train to Tarragona and from there to the whole of Europe. It is an infrastructure of the utmost importance”, he maintained.
Also according to the prime minister, Sines should be “one of the largest renewable energy production centers”.
“And this is one of the great factors for attracting new industries. And this investment by Repsol is one of the best examples of decarbonising the industry. The chemical industry is a major consumer of energy, but Repsol will develop a hydrogen project and ensure recyclable and green polymers,” he added.
It would be good to see them making some progress with the very valuable Savannah Resources lithium assets - in a controlled environmentally friendly way. I think I read previously they were hoping to use Sines as the export port. Other countries are discovering lithium deposits - it would be a pity if Portugal misses the boat.
By Orla Dargan from Lisbon on 31 Mar 2023, 10:15
Record investment expected? What, by abolishing the Golden Visa and restricting new licenses for B&B accommodation? It sounds more like a government that resents wealth and success and wants to favour the spite of those who lack the effort, talent or ability to succeed.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 31 Mar 2023, 15:19