Italy has finalized the text of the decree known as the “Offshore Wind Ministerial Decree” (DM Eolico Offshore), which identifies maritime areas and ports that will serve as key logistical hubs for the deployment of offshore wind energy. The decision is included in the Ministry of Energy’s Decree and will be published on the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

The industry sees this measure as the first step toward structuring the National Strategic Hub for offshore development.

The approved ports are Augusta (Sicily), Taranto and Brindisi (Apulia), and Civitavecchia (Lazio). This move marks a milestone for the sector, establishing, for the first time, concrete logistics areas that will enable the construction, assembly, and transportation of offshore wind turbine components.

The selection of these four ports is based on specific technical criteria, including logistical potential, appropriate maritime draft, and strategic location relative to maritime areas previously designated as suitable for offshore wind turbine installation by MASE.

Each zone will require different interventions and upgrades, such as the restoration and modernization of docks, to be adapted for offshore activities.

With this decision, Italy begins to define its basic infrastructure to attract international investments and activate the local offshore industrial supply chain. Until now, the country lacked ports formally adapted to the standards required for this type of development, creating uncertainty among developers.

The renewable energy industry considers this measure necessary but not sufficient. The next urgent step is the publication of the auction regulations and the launch of the first competitive tender, as sector leaders emphasize. Without a clear project awarding scheme, the designation of strategic ports will not translate into concrete investments.

Logistical and Regulatory Challenges for Offshore Wind Energy

Although Italy has significant offshore wind potential—particularly for floating technology—the sector faces multiple challenges ranging from economic and logistical issues to regulatory and bureaucratic barriers.

Italy’s port infrastructure is not yet fully equipped to handle the demands of the sector, impacting the supply chain and project development timelines.

Thus, this regulatory measure seeks to modernize port infrastructure in southern Italy to facilitate the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

Michele Scoppio, CEO of Gruppo Hope, highlights that the sector’s growth is evident, with projections pointing to exponential development: “Italy could reach around 10 GW of installed capacity between 2030 and 2035, with the potential to exceed 20 GW by 2050.”

However, Scoppio emphasizes that bureaucracy remains the biggest challenge, stressing the importance of establishing continuous and constructive dialogue with local communities and institutions.

The publication of the auction rules will be crucial to ensuring developers have visibility and can mobilize capital. In conclusion, the designation of Augusta, Taranto, Brindisi, and Civitavecchia as offshore wind ports marks the beginning of a new phase for Italy’s offshore wind sector.