Joaquim Barbosa, newly appointed president of APREN. Credit: APREN
APREN, the Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, has appointed Joaquim Barbosa as its new president. He assumes leadership of the association with the objective of advancing Portugal’s energy transition and reinforcing the strategic role of renewable energy both nationally and internationally.
Barbosa brings more than 25 years of experience across the energy, investment and finance sectors, including over 15 years in executive roles within the renewable energy industry. Throughout his career, he has led the development, investment and management of wind, solar, battery energy storage and green hydrogen projects across several international markets.
“It is with great honor and a strong sense of responsibility that I assume the presidency of APREN. Portugal has established itself as a benchmark in the development of renewable energy, and the country now has the opportunity to go even further,” Barbosa said.
“Our commitment will be to help overcome the main barriers to the sector’s development, creating the conditions for renewable energy to strengthen its role as a driver of the economy, energy independence and environmental protection in Portugal,” he added.
Before joining APREN, Barbosa served as Director of New Markets and Portfolio at bp in the United Kingdom, where he was responsible for the strategic management of global renewable energy portfolios, the integration of bp’s renewable assets into Lightsource bp and the development of international green hydrogen projects.
He previously held several senior leadership positions at EDP Renewables, including Director of Business Development, Cross-functional Projects and Portfolio Management for Europe, as well as Country Manager for Poland. During his tenure, he led the company’s expansion in one of Europe’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets while also serving as Vice President of the Portugal-Poland Chamber of Commerce.
His professional background also includes leadership roles at Ocean Winds France, Sempra and Banco de Investimento Global.