Italy is positioning itself as a leader in offshore wind energy development, with a pipeline exceeding 81,300 MW. According to a survey conducted by Strategic Energy Europe, based on data from Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), there are currently 128 offshore wind farms undergoing environmental review, consolidating the growth of this renewable energy source in the country.
The largest projects under environmental review
Among the initiatives awaiting approval, large-scale projects exceeding 1,500 MW are emerging as key pillars of offshore wind development in Italy.
For example, the Sicilian Strait project, led by Renexia SpA, stands as the largest in the country, with 2,793 MW of installed capacity. This initiative aims to harness the region’s strong winds and make a significant contribution to Italy’s renewable energy generation.
Another key project is Sardinia Nord East, promoted by Avenhexicon Srl, with a capacity of 2,000 MW. The company is also behind Sardinia Sud 1 (1,600 MW), strengthening its presence on the island and reinforcing Sardinia’s potential as a strategic hub for offshore wind energy.
Additionally, the Nereus project, developed by Nereo Srl, will contribute 1,800 MW, making it one of the most important renewable infrastructure projects currently under review in Italy.
These projects are in various stages of environmental assessment, mainly within Italy’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), and represent a key investment toward achieving the country’s decarbonization goals.
Companies with the largest offshore wind capacity under review
Italy’s offshore wind sector is dominated by key players with large volumes of capacity under development.
The growth of offshore wind in Italy is being driven by major companies leading strategic projects in the permitting process. Regolo Renovables Srl tops the sector with 6,264 MW, spread across multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s renewable generation capacity. It is followed by Avenhexicon Srl, with 5,550 MW, consolidating its commitment to offshore wind, particularly in Sardinia, where it is developing some of Italy’s most ambitious offshore wind farms.
Among other key players, Acciona Energía holds 4,995 MW under review, strengthening its position in Italy with strategic projects across multiple regions. Ninfea Renovables Srl, with 4,545 MW, and Renexia SpA, with 4,173 MW, complete the list of companies with the highest capacity in the pipeline.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The expansion of offshore wind energy in Italy presents key challenges in terms of regulations and infrastructure. The connection of these wind farms to the power grid, the availability of ports for assembly and logistics, and the time required for environmental approvals are crucial factors for the feasibility of these projects.
The 81.3 GW under environmental review highlights the sector’s commitment to energy transition and emission reduction, yet ensuring efficient permitting processes and infrastructure investments will be essential for these wind farms to become operational within the projected timelines.
It is worth remembering that the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) of Italy sets a target of 2.1 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, representing a significant step forward in the country’s energy transition. However, this target contrasts with the projections of the European Union’s FIT FOR 55 initiative, which sets a far more ambitious goal of 8.5 GW of offshore wind energy by the same date. This discrepancy highlights the need for faster project implementation and streamlined administrative processes to ensure that Italy aligns with the broader continental decarbonization strategies.
Within this framework, the Apulia region emerges as a key area for offshore wind development, with a potential 3.8 GW of projects under evaluation. Its strategic location and favorable wind conditions have positioned it as one of the most important hubs for the offshore wind sector in Italy.
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