Parco Eolico Nella Rada Esterna del Porto di Taranto

Location

The wind farm is situated in the outer anchorage of the Port of Taranto, in the Ionian Sea, off the coast of Taranto, Italy.

Developer and Operator

The project is developed and managed by Beleolico S.r.l. (formerly known as Societ Energy S.p.A.).

Capacity and Production

The wind farm consists of 10 offshore wind turbines with a total installed capacity of approximately 30 MW. It is estimated to produce over 58,200 MWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the energy needs of about 18,500 families or 60,000 people.

Construction and Commissioning

The project has been fully commissioned, with the construction and management handled by Renexia Services s.r.l., a company controlled by Renexia S.p.A..

Marine Area Details

The wind farm is located on a marine area of approximately 131,000 square meters within a demanial maritime area of 455 square meters.

Environmental Impact Assessment

The project has undergone several Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures, with various stages concluded over the years. These assessments were necessary to evaluate and mitigate the environmental impacts of the wind farm.

Significance

This project is significant as it is the first offshore wind farm in the Mediterranean Sea. It marks a milestone in the development of offshore wind energy in the region, which is seen as an attractive area for future renewable energy projects due to its favorable wind conditions.

Spatial and Marine Considerations

The development of this wind farm must consider the cumulative pressures from existing and future maritime activities, such as naval traffic, mariculture, and other offshore activities. The project's location was chosen to minimize conflicts with other sea uses and environmental vulnerabilities.

In summary, the Parco Eolico Nella Rada Esterna del Porto di Taranto is a pioneering project in the Mediterranean, contributing to Italy's renewable energy goals while navigating the complexities of marine spatial planning and environmental sustainability.