STUDIO DEGLI EFFETTI DELL'INSTALLAZIONE DI IMPIANTI EOLICI OFFSHORE SULLE CONDIZIONI IDRODINAMICHE DEL GOLFO DI TARANTO

Offshore wind energy represents a strategic pillar for the global energy transition. Due to its ability to harness constant and high-velocity open-sea winds, this technology has gained increasing prominence for large-scale clean energy generation. Consequently, offshore installations are essential to the goals of the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This research investigates the hydrodynamic impact of floating offshore wind farms on marine current patterns. Using the MIKE 3 Flow Model FM numerical suite (developed by DHI/MIKE Zero), a high-resolution simulation was conducted within a study area in the Ionian Sea. The study first established a baseline current map of the undisturbed site. This baseline was then compared with subsequent simulations incorporating various configurations of floating wind farms. The objective is to quantify the alterations in flow velocity and direction caused by the presence of floating structures, providing critical data for the environmental impact assessment and the spatial planning of offshore renewable infrastructures.