Galileo Energy and Hope Group have received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) permit from Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security for the 1.1 gigawatt (GW) Barium Bay floating offshore wind project. This approval marks a major milestone for the initiative, which is located over 45 kilometers off the Adriatic coast, between Bari and Barletta in southern Italy.

The EIA permit clears the way for the project to participate in Italy’s upcoming renewable energy auction under the FER2 Decree, which offers long-term Contracts for Difference (CfDs) for up to 3.8 GW of offshore wind capacity.

Project Overview and Energy Output

Designed with two offshore substations using fixed-bottom foundations, the Barium Bay project will leverage favorable seabed conditions to deliver approximately 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Once operational, the facility is expected to meet the power needs of over one million Italian households.

The project has already received joint approval from both the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture, which evaluated its potential impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal landscapes.

Economic and Strategic Significance

The development is set to support Italy’s broader clean energy transition by providing large-scale renewable electricity without significant disruption to coastal environments. According to the project partners, construction and operation phases are expected to generate thousands of skilled jobs and attract several billion euros in investment to the region.

Galileo Energy and Hope Group are now focusing on reaching the next development milestones, including securing contracts and preparing for construction. The companies highlighted the project's potential to boost local economies while supporting Italy’s national climate targets.

Additional details on the auction timeline and project financing are expected in the coming months.

Gain a Competitive Edge in the Italy’s Wind Industry

Subscribe to our wind projects database in Italy and receive exclusive benefits like

• Regular updates on offshore projects and tenders

• In-progress and Completed offshore wind projects

• Essential details, Timely Updates, Key Stakeholder Contact Information

• Industry Trends and insights by experts

Start a free demo to find the latest wind farm projects in Italy to take your business to the next level!