EDF-owned Edison has signed an agreement with Blunova SpA (Carlo Maresca Group) for the joint development of a floating offshore wind power project in Italy.
Under the agreement, Edison has acquired a 50% stake in Wind Energy Pozzallo.
Wind Energy Pozzallo is the owner of a project for the development of a floating offshore wind plant with an installed capacity of 975MW off the coast of Pozzallo in Sicily, over 25km from the shore, currently in the authorisation phase with Italian Ministry of the Environment (MASE).
The plant will significantly contribute to national targets for growth in new installed renewable capacity and to the decarbonisation of electricity production; it is estimated to avoid the emissions of over than 780,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Marco Stangalino, vice president and power asset director at Edison, said: “We are pleased to announce this partnership with Blunova for the development of an ambitious and particularly innovative project, such as floating offshore wind plant.
“The agreement will allow Edison to accelerate its growth plan in renewable energy, aiming to reach a green capacity for the Group of 5GW from the current 2GW by 2030.
“In line with the Italian Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), we also contribute to developing innovation in the service of the energy transition and decarbonisation targets.”
Wind Energy Pozzallo has no direct employees and will rely on the professional expertise of Edison and Blunova during the authorisation phase and to carry out project engineering tasks, among others.