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A comprehensive spatial decision support system for future floating offshore wind farm development in Italy

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  • Khan, Feroz
  • Fuinhas, José Alberto
  • Rapposelli, Agnese
  • Talpur, Shakeel Ahmed

Abstract

To be more energy autonomous and engage in sustainable energy production, Italy is also shifting towards deploying its first floating-based offshore wind farms in the country. However, the whole process is impeded by a lack of technical frameworks and complex and lengthy regulatory procedures. The viability of such projects depends on site suitability analysis which needs to accommodate various aspects of socio-economic, environmental, and technical aspects. The novel model developed in this study is based on employing the Geographic Information System (GIS) to manage the spatial criteria and the non-linear multi-criteria optimization approach known as fuzzy Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) to evaluate the spatial evaluation criteria. The spatial data is based on the Italian regulatory frameworks and best practices in Europe. Finally, the weighted overlay tool in ArcGIS software is employed to yield the most suitable zones for the deployment of future first floating-based offshore wind turbines in the Sicilian Strait. The highly suitable zones cover an area of 5951.290 Km2 which is found to be very encouraging for the future offshore wind farm industry in the country.

Suggested Citation

  • Khan, Feroz & Fuinhas, José Alberto & Rapposelli, Agnese & Talpur, Shakeel Ahmed, 2025. "A comprehensive spatial decision support system for future floating offshore wind farm development in Italy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 332(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:332:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225027434
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137101
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    1. Vespasiano, Domiziana & Villani, Lorenzo & Sgaramella, Antonio & Pastore, Lorenzo Mario & Astiaso Garcia, Davide & de Santoli, Livio, 2026. "Floating offshore wind sector development in the mediterranean: Economic, employment and social analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 347(C).

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