Italy's efforts to promote offshore wind energy are stagnating, threatening climate objectives.

Italy's plans to utilize offshore wind energy are facing significant delays, jeopardizing the country’s climate objectives and affecting companies that have invested in the field, analysts report.

A government decree from 2024 aimed to encourage the development of 3.8 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2028, but the planned contract auctions have not taken place due to bureaucratic and regulatory issues, halting billions of euros in potential investment.

The decree approved in August of last year focused on innovative renewable technologies, such as floating wind platforms that are ideal for Italy's deep Mediterranean waters. Since then, 26 projects have sought environmental approval, totaling 18 GW of capacity, according to Italy's offshore energy association AERO.

While an environmental ministry panel has granted approval for four of these projects, none can move forward without the anticipated competitive auctions, leading to growing frustration within the industry.

The leader of AERO has cautioned that Italy is falling behind other key European nations and harming companies that have invested millions to prepare projects for auction. AERO chief Fulvio Mamone Capria expressed in a recent letter to the energy and environment minister that further delays are unacceptable.

Experts warn that without a robust offshore wind sector, Rome could fail to meet the renewable energy goals set by the government last July, which aim for 28.1 GW of total wind capacity by 2030, an increase from the current 13 GW.

Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces criticism from environmental groups for her perceived lack of commitment to climate initiatives. She describes the European Union's Green Deal as "ideological," expressing concerns that it may lead to "industrial desertification."

In addition to environmental implications, Mamone Capria informed Reuters that the auction delays threaten job opportunities as well. The installation of 3.8 GW of offshore wind capacity could create over 25,000 jobs in Italy, based on AERO's estimates.

On paper, offshore wind presents substantial potential for Italy, which has limited land available for solar or onshore turbines due to its Mediterranean geography; however, the country is significantly lagging behind its European counterparts.

The UK has over 15 GW of offshore capacity, supported by established auction processes and subsidies. Germany follows closely with around 9 GW, fueled by aggressive North Sea projects. In stark contrast, Italy operates only one small 30 megawatt wind farm.