National regulations, plans & strategies for the development of offshore wind energy in the Mediterranean basin

Renewable energy sources (RES) are at the forefront of global energy discussions, particularly as fossil fuels continue to dominate the economic landscape. RES offers an enticing promise: a sustainable, essentially limitless energy source that significantly mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. In a challenging geopolitical and economic context, with increasing climate change impact on the Mediterranean countries (considered a hot spot by IPCC), accelerating energy transition to achieve net zero and keep the 1.5 C goal alive is a must.

In response, all Mediterranean countries have set ambitious RES targets, aiming to boost renewable energy’s contribution to their electricity mix. However, realizing these goals demands substantial investment and a substantial expansion of energy-generating capacities. While solar and wind power are integral components, it is evident that diversifying with additional renewable sources is essential. Within the realm of renewable energy, marine renewable energy (MRE) emerges as a promising frontier. Two primary categories of MRE take the spotlight: offshore wind energy (OWE) and ocean energy, collectively referred to as Blue Energy (BE). Among MRE options, OWE shines brightly, since it boasts advanced technology, well-established regulatory frameworks, commercial viability, and significant operational capacity.

To find out more, discover the report on the Overview of offshore wind energy in the Mediterranean published by Plan Bleu.

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