Maverick, the developer of a substantial 1GW floating wind farm in the Adriatic Sea off Italy, has presented its final project scope to Italian authorities. The Molise Offshore Wind Farm project, located between 21km and 40km from Molise, will see significant changes as it progresses.
One notable alteration is the reduction in the number of turbines. Originally planned to comprise 120 turbines, the project will now feature 70, effectively cutting the initial figure in half. This decision comes in tandem with the abandonment of plans for a green hydrogen production plant, signifying a shift in project priorities.
Maverick envisions a timeline for the €2.1 billion project that includes turbine installations spanning from January 2028 to December 2033. The key connection point for this floating wind farm will be the Terna station in the municipality of Montecilfone, integrating it into the National Transmission Grid.
Among the most significant revisions to the project are the transformation of the offshore electrical substations. Initially, they were slated to be installed on platforms anchored to piles driven into the seabed. However, the updated plan now calls for floating platforms, aligning with an environmentally-friendly approach that is comparable to the generators.
In terms of project location, the northern section of the wind farm has undergone substantial modification. This change was enacted to create direct access to the port of Termoli, a move that accommodates the requests of the local fishing community, who sought to improve access to the port.
Furthermore, the overall area the wind farm will cover has been reduced from an initial 295 square kilometers to 219 square kilometers as a result of these revisions. The turbines themselves will be situated in waters spanning depths of a minimum of 88 meters and a maximum of 126 meters, and they will be formidable structures, with a capacity of 15MW, reaching a height of 140 meters and boasting a diameter of 236 meters.
For this project, Maverick has chosen to employ Vestas V236-15.0MW units, showcasing their commitment to cutting-edge technology. The development will utilize two distinct types of floating platforms. The 15MW wind turbines will be assembled using the Gazelle floater within the port of Vasto, while BW Ideol will provide the platforms for the offshore substations.
