MILAN, Italy — Progressing swiftly, the Odra Energia floating offshore wind development, situated off the coast of Lecce province in southern Italy, has entered the critical stage of the environmental impact assessment (EIA). This venture marks a collaboration between Renantis and BlueFloat Energy.
After an exhaustive year-long period of study and research, the consortium has officially submitted its comprehensive EIA study to the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and the Ministry of Culture in Italy. The commencement of the authorization process for this ambitious project dates back to 2021, initiating an extensive dialogue with local authorities, associations, and stakeholders at the local, regional, and national levels.
These consultations have resulted in significant modifications, notably a substantial 30% expansion of the distance between the wind farm location and the coastline. Additionally, there has been a deliberate reduction in the number of turbines in the initial rows.
The Odra Energia initiative envisions the deployment of 90 floating wind turbines, boasting a maximum installed capacity of approximately 1,300 MW. This formidable infrastructure aims to generate a substantial 4 TWh/year. The estimated cost for the comprehensive construction and development of this project exceeds EUR4 billion ($4.35 billion).
As the EIA process unfolds, the collaborative efforts of Renantis and BlueFloat Energy underscore their commitment to adhering to environmental regulations and incorporating valuable feedback garnered through extensive stakeholder engagement. The Odra Energia project holds the promise of not only harnessing renewable energy but also serving as a model for responsible and sustainable offshore development in the region.