Plans have been unveiled for a 525MW floating wind project in the southern Adriatic off Italy.
A newly-formed joint venture between Apulia-based developer Hope Group and Swiss-based investor Galileo said it aims to build the Lupiae Maris project using 35, 15MW floating platforms in the waters between Brindisi and Lecce.
The developers said they are now ready to submit an environmental impacts assessment for the project ahead of detailed resource assessment starting next year.
Hope Group said in a statement that green hydrogen production integrated with renewables is central to its strategy, but does not say if Lupiae Maris specifically will be linked to green H2. Recharge has contacted the developer for comment on which floating wind technology will be used.
Ingmar Wilhelm, CEO of Galileo, said: “Italy is rightly diversifying its energy mix with new renewable technologies, such as floating offshore wind.
“This technology will have a great future as it doubles the water surface suitable for offshore wind in Europe, creates the basis for green hydrogen production and will contribute decisively to greater energy independence of our continent."
Italy is one of a clutch of southern European nations set for major floating wind growth over the coming years.
Recharge reported this week how Italy could be home to the world’s largest floating wind-powered hydrogen hub as early as 2027, following the signing of a deal between developer Aquaterra Energy and sector pioneer Seawind Ocean Technology to build a 3.2GW project in the Mediterranean.
