Italy green-lights grid links for 7GW Mediterreanean floating wind build by Hexicon
Transmission system operator Terna grants key connection permits for deepwater projects located off Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia, with final authorisations from government now pending
Italian transmission system operator (TSO) Terna has rubber-stamped grid connection points for over 7GW of floating wind power projects being progressed by Hexicon in waters surrounding the southern European country, clearing the way for the final greenlighting of the developments by the government.
Hexicon, operating in Italy through its joint venture AvenHexicon, has one more grid connection application outstanding that is “being processed and is expected to come through shortly”, it said.
“The Italian government signaled early on an ambition to take measures to speed up the processes for renewable energy projects, to faster cut dependence on Russian gas,” said Hexicon, in a statement.
“With a vast coastline and excellent wind resources, especially in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has a strong potential for floating wind. The country is aiming to generate 55% of its total electricity generation from renewables by 2030.”
Alberto Dalla Rosa, CEO at AvenHexicon, stated: “The progress is moving at record speed, which speaks for Italy's ambition to develop renewables in the country. Having the grid connection ready is yet another milestone passed, and one which significantly increases the value of each project.”
The six project sites are located in water depths of 200-plus metres off Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia in the Mediterranean Sea. The seventh, which lies in similar water depths, has a capacity of 1GW.
“It is still too early to envisage precise times, as a process to update the Italian offshore wind legislation and policy is being shaped, which will largely influence an investment landscape,” said Rosa.