The Italian Ministry for Environment and Energy Security has given its stamp of approval to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the 7SeasMed floating offshore wind project, marking a significant milestone for Italy’s offshore wind industry. This approval signifies the first of its kind for a floating offshore wind endeavor in Italy, signifying a pivotal moment in advancing the nation’s renewable energy objectives and climate commitments.
Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), a renowned figure in offshore wind development and construction on a global scale, stands at the helm as the lead developer for the 7SeasMed project. The ownership consortium comprises GreenIT, the Italian renewable energy joint venture between Plenitude (Eni) and CDP Equity (CDP Group), alongside Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), a key player in greenfield renewable energy investments worldwide.
Positioned approximately 35 km off the coast of Marsala, Sicily, the 250 MW 7SeasMed project now moves closer to realization with the green light on its EIA. Embracing cutting-edge technologies and environmentally-conscious practices, the project is poised to serve as a beacon for renewable energy generation in Sicily, aligning with Italy’s broader pursuit of carbon neutrality.
Michele Schiavone, CEO of COP Italy and Project CEO for 7SeasMed, expressed delight at the EIA approval, hailing it as a substantial stride in accelerating the energy transition and combating climate change. Alan Hannah, COP Partner and Europe Market Development Lead, underscored the collaborative effort and stakeholder engagement integral to securing the EIA Decree, emphasizing the pivotal role of 7SeasMed in propelling floating offshore wind into industrialization.
Floating offshore wind emerges as a transformative force in renewable energy production, tapping into offshore wind resources in deeper waters where traditional fixed-bottom installations fall short. Through innovative floating platforms anchored to the seabed, 7SeasMed aims to unlock new avenues for sustainable energy generation while mitigating environmental impact.
The benefits promised by 7SeasMed extend beyond clean energy generation, encompassing job creation, economic growth, and technological innovation. With a capacity of 250 MW, the project is poised to bolster Sicily’s renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions. Moreover, it is anticipated to create job opportunities during both construction and operation phases, fostering economic development in the region and empowering local communities.
Notably, 7SeasMed is part of a broader 3 GW offshore wind portfolio in Italy owned by the GreenIT and CIP partnership, with COP spearheading the development. This expansive portfolio includes the Ichnusa (504 MW, Sardinia), Tyrrhenian (500 MW, Latium), Nurax (500 MW, Sardinia), and Poseidon (1000 MW, Sardinia) projects, constituting one of the largest floating portfolios in Italy and exemplifying the nation’s commitment to renewable energy advancement.