Italy’s Barium Bay offshore wind farm has cleared a significant hurdle, securing a positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decree from the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security. This green light propels the project, the largest floating offshore wind initiative in Italy and the Mediterranean, into the spotlight, setting the stage for a potential transformation in the region’s energy landscape.
Situated in the Apulia region, south of Italy, between Bari and Barletta, Barium Bay is a joint venture between Galileo, a pan-European renewable energy platform, and Hope Group, an Italian specialist in renewable energy plant design. The EIA decree, following approvals from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture, enables Barium Bay to compete in the upcoming auction for the FER 2 Decree. This decree offers a contract for difference for 3,800MW of offshore wind energy, providing long-term financial incentives for renewable energy sources.
Hope Group CEO Michele Scoppio expressed enthusiasm about the milestone, stating, “We are thrilled to have obtained this achievement as Hope Group was founded to be an active part of Italy’s energy transition process.” Scoppio emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainable energy generation without environmental or landscape impact, highlighting the value of the energy produced for businesses and citizens. The project aims to create a healthier territory and boost employment in the Apulia region.
The Barium Bay project, located over 45km from the coast, features two offshore substations with fixed-bottom foundations, leveraging the area’s favourable bathymetry. With a capacity of 1,110MW, the wind farm is expected to generate more than three billion kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power over one million Italian households. This significant contribution to Italy’s renewable energy goals underscores the project’s potential to reshape the country’s energy sector.
Galileo and Hope Group established a joint venture in February 2023 to develop Barium Bay. Galileo’s business development director for Italy, Francesco Dolzani, expressed pride in reaching this milestone, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of numerous national and international entities. Dolzani emphasized the focus on construction and commissioning milestones, which could generate thousands of skilled jobs and attract billions of euros in investment.
The Barium Bay project’s progress raises several questions about the future of offshore wind in Italy and the Mediterranean. How will this project influence the upcoming auction for the FER 2 Decree? Will other regions in Italy and the Mediterranean follow suit, investing in large-scale offshore wind projects? Moreover, how will the local communities in Apulia benefit from the increased employment and economic activity?
The Barium Bay offshore wind farm’s development is a testament to Italy’s commitment to renewable energy. As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the local environment, economy, and energy landscape. The success of Barium Bay could pave the way for similar projects, accelerating Italy’s energy transition and contributing to a more sustainable future. The coming months will be pivotal as the project advances towards construction and commissioning, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the FER 2 Decree auction.