Aberdeen City Council signs Memorandum of Understanding with Brazilian city of Macaé to boost energy sector economic growth

29 October 2020

Aberdeen City Council today (Thursday 29 October) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian municipality of Macaé which will see both cities benefit from a key strategic partnership in the energy sector.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Aberdeen City Council by Councillor John Reynolds, the authority’s economic development spokesman in a ceremony in the Town House and simultaneously, in a similar ceremony in Brazil with the Mayor Aluizio dos Santos Junior signing on behalf of Macaé. The document recognises the importance of expanding cooperation and enhancing economic growth in the energy sector. 

Macaé is the centre of the offshore oil industry in Brazil and, like its Scottish counterpart, is considered an oil capital being referred to as "Cidade do Petróleo" ("City of Petroleum").

Councillor Reynolds said: “I am delighted to sign this important Memorandum of Understanding with Macaé on behalf of the city of Aberdeen.

“This a strategic partnership that further enhances our city’s reputation as a global energy hub and attract further investment, productivity and innovation, particularly around renewable energies where we are recognised as a pioneering region.

“Aberdeen also currently holds the Presidency of the World Energies Cities Partnership through the Lord Provost and so we will also be supporting Macaé through the rigorous process of joining the Partnership as well as generating business, jobs and growth for both our cities..

The MoU will see the two cities enter into a formal relationship, agreeing to promote and collaborate as key strategic partners in developing each city’s energy sectors including the transition to renewables.

The signatory cities will review the impact of the MoU at the end of 2023.