European energy companies Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy have partnered to develop a 975MW floating wind farm offshore from Sardinia.
The Tibula Energia project will be located between 25km and 40km from the island’s north-eastern coast and feature 62 floating wind turbines, which will be ‘almost imperceptible’ from land.
The offshore wind farm is expected to generate more than 3.4TWh of electricity while offsetting more than 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy applied for maritime concession for the Tibula Energia project on 6 May.
The two companies plan to discuss the project with local communities in the coming weeks before beginning the authorisation process with Italy’s Ministry of the Ecological Transition.
Tibula Energia technical director Ksenia Balanda said: “We feel that the value of our projects is measured by their ability to benefit local communities.
“Through dialogue and engaging with local people, we aim to create a development model focused on collaboration with local communities to support their goals.”
Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy have been carrying out exploratory research into local sea and wind conditions, environmental impacts and industrial infrastructures over the last year.
In a statement, the companies said: “In addition to the production of green energy, the project aims to support the sustainable growth of local communities through initiatives which will benefit the area, such as plant co-ownership schemes or support for community-led projects.”
Tibula Energia is expected to create nearly 3,200 full-time jobs during its manufacturing, assembly and construction stages.
Once the project is operational, more than 180 people will be hired for plant maintenance.
In October last year, Falck Renewables and BlueFloat Energy partnered to deploy floating wind farms located offshore from Italy.
