Portugal’s Judicial authorities are currently investigating claims of corruption related to a major green hydrogen venture in Sines, as reported by Reuters. The investigative spotlight falls on the H2Sines consortium, which initially included industry heavyweights like EDP (EDP.LS), Galp, Engie (ENGI.PA), Vestas (VWS.CO), Bondalti, and Martifer. In a strategic shift, EDP and Galp exited the consortium in 2021 to create GreenH2Atlantic. The consortia have been working towards the objective of commencing liquified hydrogen exports from the installation by the year 2027.
This corruption inquiry, which is also examining a data center proposal and lithium mining licenses, has led to the unexpected departure of the Portuguese head of government.
The resignation of Antonio Costa, the Portuguese Prime Minister, has rocked the nation following the announcement of a corruption inquiry by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into multi-billion-euro deals surrounding lithium, green hydrogen production, and data center projects.
According to official statements, the investigation has seen the arrest of five individuals, among them Vitor Escaria, the prime minister’s economic advisor, and a prominent business consultant. The scrutiny is concentrated on a pair of lithium mining permits in the northern regions of Portugal, as well as ambitious plans for a green hydrogen facility and a significant data center in the coastal town of Sines. The probe is targeting these strategic development projects and the portfolio of national and international companies involved.
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