Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy are teaming up for the development of floating offshore wind farms off the coast of Italy and the start of the authorization process for the first project in Puglia, called Kailia Energia, in the waters off Brindisi.

This partnership builds on Falck Renewables’ strong local presence and development track record in Italy, combined with BlueFloat Energy’s expertise in floating offshore wind and global footprint. Both companies see strong potential for floating offshore wind in Italy, given the characteristics of its coastline and the depth of its seas, for the production of renewable energy through the use of floating offshore wind technology, which will contribute significantly to national energy transition and regional autonomy, with full respect for ecosystems.

Project developers will submit the necessary documentation to the Ministero per la Transizione Ecologica (Ministry of Ecological Transition) to initiate the authorization process for the Kailia Energia floating offshore wind farm. It will begin with a preliminary consultation (scoping), a procedure voluntarily carried out by the contracting authorities and aimed at better defining the content of the environmental impact study for the subsequent procedure of the environmental impact study. At the same time, the application for a maritime concession will be submitted to the Ministero delle Infrastrutture (Ministry of Infrastructures) and to the Port Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea.

As with traditional projects – solar and onshore wind – Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy commit to early engagement with territories and local communities: developers embarked on a series of meetings with local stakeholders to build a process consultation and dialogue on project proposals, which will continue throughout the project development process.

The strategic importance of Puglia, in the national context and in the business plan of the developers, is confirmed by the progress of the preliminary analysis of a second floating marine wind farm project.

The expected installed capacity of Kailia Energia will be around 1.2 GW, which would give an expected annual production of 3.5 TWh, or the equivalent of the consumption of 1 million Italian households, thus avoiding the emission of 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere each year.

“We are bringing floating offshore wind technology to Italy, demonstrating our commitment to achieving sustainable goals through the implementation of innovative technologies,” comments Toni Volpe, CEO of Falck Renewables. “This project is the fruit of significant work carried out in recent months by the partnership, and which has also involved local actors in a process of dialogue and shared development with communities and territories.

“As a global offshore wind developer with unique expertise in floating wind, we want to contribute to the development of this sector in Italy,” said Carlos Martin, CEO of BlueFloat Energy. “Our recent experience of developing a floating wind project in Spain with the Tramuntana Park provides us with valuable information on the unique challenges of developing this type of project in the Mediterranean region. We are now approaching the Italian market with a partner with complementary strengths and skills, to deliver a world-class project that will enable the energy transition in the region.