Italy's Offshore Wind Sector Faces Persistent Regulatory Delays

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