Italy's First Floating Offshore Wind Project Receives Environmental Approval

Offshore Wind Farm — Representation Image

Italy has approved its first floating offshore wind project, marking an essential advancement in the country’s renewable energy objectives. The Italian Ministry for Environment and Energy Security approved the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the 250MW 7SeasMed Floating Offshore Wind Project.

The project is led by Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), a well-known figure in offshore wind development. It is owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and GreenIT, a joint venture between Plenitude (Eni) and CDP Equity (CDP Group).

7SeasMed, located about 35 kilometres off the coast of Marsala, Sicily, plans to build and manage using the latest technologies and ecologically sound ways. The initiative supports Italy’s ambitions for climate change and renewable energy while also fostering the country’s offshore wind industry.

Michele Schiavone, CEO of COP Italy and Project CEO for 7SeasMed, expressed her enthusiasm with the EIA’s clearance and emphasised the importance of promoting the energy transition and preventing climate change.

Alan Hannah, COP Partner and Europe Market Development Lead, highlighted the project’s contribution to advancing floating offshore wind from demonstration to commercialisation and the cooperative strategy for obtaining clearance.

Map — Image Credits:
Copenhagen Offshore Partners/LinkedIn

Floating offshore wind provides a game-changing method for renewable energy production. It can be deployed in deeper oceans where typical fixed-bottom installations are impossible.

7SeasMed aims to maximise environmental effects while opening up opportunities for sustainable energy generation through cutting-edge floating platforms secured to the ocean floor.

The 7SeasMed project has advantages beyond environmental ones. It is anticipated to increase Sicily’s potential for renewable energy, decreasing carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. It is also expected to boost regional economic growth by creating jobs during the construction and operation phases.

7SeasMed is a part of Italy’s 3GW offshore wind portfolio, held by the GreenIT and CIP collaboration, demonstrating the nation’s dedication to the growth of renewable energy.

The group aims to grow into a key player in Italy’s renewable energy scene with projects including Ichnusa, Tyrrhenian, Nurax, and Poseidon in the works. It plans to begin commercial operations between 2028 and 2031.

Reference: COP

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