Italy's Offshore Wind Sector Faces Persistent Regulatory Delays
George Ralston
12/17/20251 min read
Italy possesses significant potential for offshore wind energy, particularly floating technologies adapted to the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. However, as of mid-December 2025, development remains stalled due to ongoing bureaucratic and regulatory challenges. A 2024 government decree established incentives for 3.8 GW of capacity by 2028 through competitive auctions, but these auctions have not yet been launched, delaying billions in potential investments [1][2].
Currently, 26 projects with a combined capacity of 18 GW have completed environmental assessments, and four have received approval from the environment ministry. Nevertheless, no projects can proceed without auction contracts [1]. Fulvio Mamone Capria, president of the offshore renewables association AERO, has highlighted the risks in a recent letter to ministers, noting that further delays could leave Italy trailing European leaders and erode prior investments [1].
Italy's sole operational offshore wind farm is the 30 MW facility near Taranto, markedly less than the United Kingdom's over 15 GW or Germany's approximately 9 GW [1]. These obstacles threaten national targets of 28.1 GW in total wind capacity by 2030, increasing from the current 13 GW, with offshore wind essential for meeting decarbonization objectives [3].
Grid connection requests exceed 88 GW, reflecting strong interest despite permitting complexities and an underdeveloped supply chain [4].
In summary, prompt action to initiate auctions and simplify procedures could catalyze substantial floating offshore wind growth, potentially delivering 10 GW by 2035 and advancing Italy's contribution to Europe's renewable energy goals.
[1] Reuters - Italy's offshore wind push languishes, putting climate goals at risk [2] MarketScreener - Italy's offshore wind push languishes, putting climate goals at risk [3] Watson Farley & Williams - Italian Offshore Wind – Status and Recent Developments [4] Windtech International - Italy’s offshore wind sector: growth, challenges, and opportunities [5] Strategic Energy Europe - Italy projects 10 GW of offshore wind energy by 2035 and over 20 GW by 2050
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