Lightsource BP has hired Francisco Beirao as head of government affairs for Europe and has set up a new office in Brussels, focussed on stakeholder engagement.
Beirao was the former head of the Portuguese utility Energias de Portugal’s (EDP’s) office in Brussels.
He spent the last five years progressing EDP’s engagement across the EU institutions, NGOs and think tanks.
Beirao has also served as vice-president of the Belgian-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce.
Lightsource BP chief executive for Europe & International Kareen Boutonnat said: “In just a few years we have grown our European business to significant scale, and there is still much more to do.
“If we are to realise solar’s potential to cut carbon and create jobs as an industry, we need meaningful partnerships between the public and private sectors that will result in expedited and sustainable action, required to address the climate crisis.”
“Francisco’s experience and establishing Lightsource bp in Brussels will ensure we are able to be informed and connected within the ever-changing policy landscape across the EU and able to lend our decade-long experience to stakeholders across both policy and energy sectors.
“We want to contribute actively towards shaping best practice for the energy sector and work collaboratively to adopt and drive this energy transition.”
Beirao said: “This is an exciting time for Lightsource BP and the wider industry, with renewables set to ramp up as governments step up the pace to decarbonise their energy sectors. I’m optimistic about the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“Lightsource BP has recently entered two new markets across Europe and this trend is set to continue.
“I look forward to helping Lightsource BP continue to deliver solar projects across the continent, contributing towards the EU’s 2030 decarbonisation target and 2050 net zero ambition.”