Blue economy: offshore renewable energy in Europe and offshore wind in Italy

Abstract

Seas and oceans are the stage of numerous economic activities, representing an important source of income and wealth. Maritime sectors depend on the marine environment but pose a threat to the sustainability and resilience of the ecosystem. The thesis dwells on the offshore renewable energy sector which can provide a source of clean energy and contribute to the decarbonization of the energy system. An introduction outlines the economic importance of the ocean economy and the pressures on the marine environment. The thesis continues providing insight on the offshore wind energy and the other ocean energy technologies at the European level. Finally, it analysis the offshore wind sector in Italy including examples of offshore wind projects and tackling social acceptance of wind power and marine spatial planning.