As part of the ICP-AGIR programme, delegates from Incheon visited Almeria from 25 September to 29 September. Through this study visit, Incheon had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Almeria’s innovative smart mobility strategies and advanced renewable energy strategies which resulted in solidifying strong ties between two cities.
The study visit launched with an official welcoming reception at Almeria City Hall. During official reception, Mrs. Margarita Cobos, Councillor of Environmental Sustainability at Almeria City delivered warm welcoming remarks to the visiting delegates and expressed high expectations on the future cooperation between Incheon and Almeria on renewable energy and sustainable urban management.
They continued their visit in Mobility Department of Almeria City Council and PITA – Science and Technology Park of Almeria where they learned about the current urban mobility issues that Almeria city is experiencing along with Almeria’s Smart City Project Strategies and heard more about the private sector’s experiences and projects related to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture technologies.
The second day of the study visit started with a site visit to Municipal Desalination Plant which is playing a key role for the sustainable water management in Almeria. During the guided tour at the plant, Mrs. Margarita Cobos explained overall desalination process and sustainable plan for the facility operation.
Next, Incheon delegates visited University of Almeria and CIESOL – Solar Energy Research Centre to discuss MOU cooperation between Inha University located in Incheon Metropolitan City and University of Almeria located in Almeria City, and explore research laboratories’ facilities on solar energy production.
In the later part of the day, the delegates paid a visit to ISE – Ingenia Solar Energy and Chamber of Commerce of Almeria to further discuss on the potential partnership cooperation on the private sector level.
On the last day of the study visit, delegates from Incheon and Almeria had a guided tour in Alcazaba of Almeria, Cathedral of Almeria, Cathedral of Almeria and Cabo de Gata Natural Park for a cultural experience. Since Almeria is heavily focusing on sustainable tourism, it was a wonderful opportunity for Incheon delegates to learn about the unique sustainable tourism aspects of Almeria.
To refine the future cooperation plans for Almeria City Council and Incheon Metropolitan City, both cities had a Cooperation Action Plan (CAP) session. Both cities expressed their interest in establishing a long-term partnership between cities by conducting collaboration projects on different themes including education institution collaboration, hydrogen energy, private sector cooperation, and smart mobility.
