The Energy of Sines and Santiago do Cacém

The Sines refinery, which is responsible for an important part of Portugal's energy supply, has connected Galp and its Foundation to the communities of Sines and Santiago do Cacém for nearly five decades. Alongside the transformation of this industrial asset, we also seek to understand the socioeconomic context of these municipalities in the Alentejo Litoral region, engage with their people, and map the most relevant local social partners. Together, we design the projects that bring our community engagement plan to life: The Energy of Sines and Santiago do Cacém.

Sines and Santiago do Cacém

For us, the energy of Sines and Santiago do Cacém lies in its people. This is the story of some of them.

In Sines and Santiago do Cacém, our work across three strategic axes – access to energy, access to education, and the reduction of inequalities – is complemented by the protection of biodiversity

We promote <strong>sustainable energy</strong>

We promote sustainable energy

We installed solar panels at the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of Sines and Santo André, as well as at Cercisiago, a cooperative in Santiago do Cacém dedicated to the rehabilitation and social integration of people with disabilities.

After meeting the energy needs of these institutions, the surplus clean energy can be shared with other local organisations through a collective solar self-consumption circuit with a social purpose.

Energy efficiency projects were also carried out at Cercisiago and Clube Galp Sul, ranging from the renovation of the hot water system to the complete replacement of lighting.

We support <strong>education</strong> and inclusion

We support education and inclusion

In partnership with EPIS – Entrepreneurs for Social Inclusion, we reward academic achievement among students these municipalities with university scholarships, helping to combat school dropout due to financial hardship.

Know more about the latest edition of the EPIS social scholarships

We foster <strong>skills</strong> for the future

We foster skills for the future

We brought the iMAGINE project to the Alentejo coast. Developed by DiVERGE, a Portuguese sneaker brand, this training and mentoring programme is aimed at young people at risk of social exclusion.

Throughout the programme, participants develop essential employability skills – such as communication, entrepreneurship, and marketing – which they apply in the creation of a microbusiness and a unique product: a pair of trainers that reflects their identity and is put on sale. For each sale made, the young people receive a commission, becoming active participants in the business.

Know more about the iMAGINE project

We engage our <strong>volunteers</strong>

We engage our volunteers

In 2024, we organised nearly a dozen volunteering initiatives in Sines and Santiago do Cacém, involving the energy of 187 employees. In the coming years, we will renew this commitment.

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