Renewable energy developers Renantis and BlueFloat Energy have commenced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for their collaborative 1300MW Odra Energia floating offshore wind project off the southern coast of the province of Lecce, Italy. Following a comprehensive year-long study and research phase, the EIA has been formally submitted to the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (Mase) and the Ministry of Culture (MiC).
The EIA encompasses a detailed set of documents outlining the project's proposed hypothesis, with plans for public consultation expected in the coming weeks, as confirmed by BlueFloat. This marks a crucial milestone in the authorization process, which commenced in 2021, underscoring the ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.
In 2021, the development partners initiated a voluntary environmental scoping process, engaging local authorities, associations, and other stakeholders at various levels. This participatory approach led to project adjustments, including a 30% increase in the distance of the proposed site from the coast and a reduction in the number of turbines in the initial rows, aligning the project more closely with local expectations.
The Odra Energia project envisions deploying 90 floating wind turbines, targeting an annual production of about 4 TWh, equivalent to the energy consumption of over one million Italian households. The estimated investment for construction and development exceeds €4 billion.
Ksenia Balanda, General Manager of the Renantis-BlueFloat Energy Partnership, emphasized the months leading up to the EIA's finalization as instrumental in optimizing the project's technical feasibility and environmental sustainability. Balanda highlighted the commitment to continued refinement of design, construction, and operation plans to ensure the project's success, with a focus on local involvement and collaboration with institutions and communities in the Lower Salento region.
This collaborative approach, fostering a strong and long-term partnership between the wind farm and the local territory, underscores the developers' dedication to delivering an environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial project.
