Portuguese energy company EDP has initiated legal action against a government decree granting Águas de Santo André exclusive rights to seawater intake from the site of a former coal power plant in Sines. This seawater is crucial for supplying a planned desalination plant and supporting large-scale industrial projects in the region. EDP filed a precautionary injunction seeking to overturn the decision, arguing it unfairly restricts their access to a vital resource. The dispute centers on control of the water intake infrastructure previously used by the coal plant. The government’s decision favors Águas de Santo André, a company involved in broader water management initiatives in the area. EDP contends the decree hinders its investment plans and potentially impacts the development of new energy projects. The outcome of the legal challenge will determine who controls access to this essential resource for Sines’ future industrial and water supply needs.