BlueFloat Energy is a developer of offshore wind energy projects with a global presence. Currently, it aims to strengthen its position in the Italian market with a capacity of 5.5 GW.
In collaboration with Nadara, the company is developing six projects across three key regions in Italy, which will contribute to generating more than 18 TWh of clean electricity by 2030—equivalent to one-third of the country’s energy imports, according to Isabel Rodrigo Romero, Senior Manager of Communications & Marketing at BlueFloat Energy.
“We believe offshore wind energy is crucial to Italy’s path toward carbon neutrality, energy independence, and economic development. To meet its PNIEC 2030 goal, Italy needs to install around 9 GW of renewable capacity per year starting in 2024. BlueFloat’s floating offshore wind portfolio represents a significant contribution toward achieving this target, utilizing cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology,” Rodrigo Romero stated in an interview with Energía Estratégica España.
With a presence in key markets such as France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, BlueFloat Energy positions itself as a rapidly growing developer. Its global portfolio includes more than 34.1 GW of planned capacity across ten countries, primarily focusing on floating offshore wind technology, though it also includes fixed-bottom projects.
Projects in Italy
Together with Nadara, BlueFloat Energy is developing six strategic floating offshore wind projects in Italy, located in Calabria, Apulia, and Sardinia. These projects highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability and local growth.
- Calabria: The Minervia Energia project, with a capacity of 675 MW in the Gulf of Squillace, has the potential to supply electricity to over 600,000 homes annually and produce 45,000 tons of green hydrogen per year, positioning it as a cornerstone of Italy’s energy transition. It will also create 2,500 direct jobs, boosting the local economy.
- Apulia: Odra Energia and Kailia Energia have a combined capacity of 2,500 MW. Odra Energia, off the coast of Lecce, will supply energy to 1.1 million homes annually, significantly contributing to national decarbonization goals by 2030. Kailia Energia, with a capacity of 1,200 MW, will help reduce CO2 emissions by 2 million tons annually while offering opportunities for Italy’s academic and technological sectors.
- Sardinia: Projects Nora Energia 1, Nora Energia 2, and Tibula Energia together have a capacity of 2,370 MW. Nora Energia 1 and 2, located in the Sardinian Channel, southwest and southeast of the Gulf of Cagliari, could supply electricity to over 1.2 million homes per year and generate up to 4,000 direct jobs, 80% of which would be long-term and filled by local labor. Tibula Energia, in the island’s northeast, stands out not only for its 975 MW capacity but also for its commitment to supporting co-ownership initiatives and community-led projects.
Italian Market Potential: Regulatory Framework and Challenges
The Italian offshore wind energy market offers a promising outlook. With an estimated potential of 207.3 GW, Italy ranks among the largest markets in the world in this sector, according to the Floating Offshore Wind Community (a group led by the European House – Ambrosetti with partners including Nadara, BlueFloat Energy, Fincantieri, and Acciaierie d’Italia).
This represents over 60% of Italy’s total renewable energy potential. Regions such as Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia are among the most viable areas.
Italy has started laying the groundwork for a robust regulatory framework for offshore wind energy. BlueFloat Energy highlights the FER 2 regulation, a set of guidelines developed with industry representatives and key associations, as an example to be applied to offshore wind projects.
However, Rodrigo Romero emphasizes the need for a specific regulatory approach tailored to offshore wind: “These projects are more complex than onshore projects and require clear guidelines that reflect their technology and industrial benefits.”
Additionally, she suggests that a long-term national plan with targets up to 2050 would provide greater investor security. “Italy should consider a goal of between 40 and 50 GW of installed capacity, taking inspiration from the ambitious plans of countries like Germany and the UK,” she adds.
Rodrigo Romero also cites the UK’s recent Allocation Round 6 auction for floating technology as a key example, with prices of £176/MWh (2012 prices), approximately £245 in 2024 prices, or €290.
“This should be seen as an example. It’s a well-calculated price by the UK government after a previous failed auction, AR5, where the base price was £116/MWh. We’re talking about a country with 15 years of experience in this technology and numerous operational plants, both fixed-bottom and floating. Italy is still at the beginning, but we can use this as a reference. Additionally, there must be mechanisms to adjust for inflation, both during construction and operation,” she concludes.
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