7SeasMed floating offshore wind project receives EIA approval

7SeasMed is a 250 MW floating offshore wind project that will be located approximately 35 km off the coast of Marsala, Sicily. Approval of the EIA paves the way for construction and operation of the offshore wind farm, which will use cutting edge-technologies and environmentally-conscious practices. 7SeasMed also positions Sicily as an important hub for renewable energy generation in Italy and bolsters the country’s commitment to carbon neutrality.

“We are delighted to receive EIA approval for the 7SeasMed floating offshore wind project off the coast of Sicily,” said Michele Schiavone, COP Italy CEO and Project CEO for 7SeasMed. “This represents a significant achievement in our mission to accelerate the energy transition and combat climate change. The project underscores our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that balance energy needs with environmental stewardship.”

“The EIA Decree is the result of our robust and collaborative approach to all environmental disciplines, including stakeholder engagement and dialogue the 7SeasMed team has conducted with public bodies at both the national and local levels,” added Alan Hannah, COP Partner and Europe Market Development Lead. “Floating offshore wind is moving from demonstration to first industrialisation and we are proud to have 7SeasMed play a key role in this momentum.”

Floating offshore wind represents a transformative approach to renewable energy production, harnessing the vast potential of offshore wind resources in deeper waters where traditional fixed-bottom installations are unable to be deployed. By utilizing innovative floating platforms anchored to the seabed, 7SeasMed aims to unlock new opportunities for sustainable energy generation while minimising environmental impact.

7SeasMed will deliver numerous benefits to Italian communities and the economy, including:

• Clean energy generation: With a capacity of 250 MW, 7SeasMed will contribute to Sicily’s renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
• Job creation and economic growth: The project will create job opportunities during the construction and operation phases, stimulating economic growth in the region and supporting local communities.
• Technological innovation: By deploying state-of-the-art floating platform technology, the project showcases advancements in offshore wind technology, driving innovation and expertise in the renewable energy sector.
• Provide local, clean, and affordable energy to more than?70 000?homes in Sicily or around?5%?of Sicily’s total electricity consumption.

7SeasMed is part of a larger 3 GW offshore wind portfolio in Italy owned by the GreenIT and CIP partnership, and of which COP serves as lead development partner. This is one of the largest floating portfolios in Italy and in addition to 7SeasMed it includes the Ichnusa (504 MW, Sardinia) Tyrrhenian (500 MW, Latium), Nurax (500 MW, Sardinia), and Poseidon (1000 MW, Sardinia) projects.

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