In a significant move to enhance offshore renewable energy, EU member states have agreed to increase targets for wind and ocean energy production by 2050. The new agreements, reached during a virtual meeting on December 19, 2024, aim for a cumulative capacity of 88 GW by 2030, escalating to approximately 360 GW by mid-century.
The updated objectives stem from the revised TEN-E Regulation, which mandates non-binding agreements among member states to cooperate on renewable energy generation in five designated marine regions. Italy, part of this initiative, commits to generating 1.5 GW by the end of the decade, with plans to increase to 4.5 GW thereafter.
These commitments align with the EU’s broader strategy to reduce energy dependence and accelerate the implementation of offshore wind and ocean energy projects. A coordinated approach is expected to facilitate economically viable expansion while minimizing environmental impact, as highlighted by the WindEurope association.
The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) will now update its strategic development plans for integrated offshore networks, providing clarity for investors and stakeholders regarding future offshore energy infrastructure.