June 25, 2024

IEA Wind TCP event in Bari: visit to Beleolico and the future of wind power

BELEOLICO AND WIND ENERGY AT THE CENTER OF INTERNATIONAL DEBATE: IEA WIND TCP PLENARY MEETING IN BARI

From May 21-24, 2024, the Polytechnic University of Bari was the scene of an important event in the field of wind energy: the plenary meeting of the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the Wind Technology Collaboration Program (IEA Wind TCP) of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The meeting, organized by Italian researchers Luca Greco of the Institute of Marine Engineering of the National Research Council (CNR-INM) and Laura Serri of Research on the Energy System (RSE Spa), gathered 70 participants from around the world.

A PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL FORUM

The goal of the IEA Wind TCP ExCo is to promote international collaboration in wind energy research and technology development. During the meeting, progress and challenges related to the implementation of wind energy in national energy systems were presented, with a focus on technologies, environmental impact and social acceptance issues.
Participants had the opportunity to explore not only the theoretical and scientific aspects, but also to come into direct contact with the industrial realities of the sector. One of the most significant visits was to the Vestas Wind Systems A/S facilities in Taranto, where the blades for the new 15 MW V236 wind turbine are being manufactured.

THE VISIT TO BELEOLICO

In addition, the group visited Beleolico, the Mediterranean’s first offshore wind farm, also located in Taranto. Opening in April 2022, Beleolico consists of 10 turbines capable of generating about 58,000 MWh per year, meeting the energy needs of about 60,000 people and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 730,000 tons. Collaboration and sharing are an essential part of the “Renexia model,” which is why we are honored to have accompanied such prestigious representatives from around the world to visit Beleolics. Thus we have demonstrated on the ground that the energy transition is possible and works, and that Beleolico was a historic turning point, especially for Taranto.

WIND POWER INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT

The IEA, founded in 1974 and currently composed of 30 member countries, is committed to promoting international collaboration on crucial issues such as economic development, environmental awareness and, in particular, alternatives to fossil fuels through the exploitation of renewable energy sources.Italy, one of the founding members, continues to play a key role in these crucial initiatives for the global energy future.
This plenary meeting demonstrated the growing importance of wind energy in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.With its rich agenda of technical discussions and exchanges of best practices, the event strengthened the network of experts and practitioners committed to driving innovation in the renewable energy sector. At a time when the fight against climate change is more urgent than ever, initiatives such as these represent concrete steps toward a more sustainable and responsible future.