ETD

• blue economy
• blue energy
• green ports
• italian navy
• marine renewable energy

Renewable energy is essential for meeting the planet's energy needs, containing the greenhouse effect, and reducing the consumption of limited resources. The increasing global demand for clean, reliable, and sustainable energy sources has made this transition one of the most urgent challenges of the 21st century. Traditional fossil fuels are now seen as unsustainable due to their environmental impact, contribution to climate change, and limited availability.
In this context, renewable energy has become both an environmental necessity and a strategic economic opportunity.
Among the wide spectrum of renewable sources, marine energy – often referred to as Blue Energy – represents one of the most promising yet underexploited frontiers. Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and contain immense amounts of kinetic, thermal, and chemical energy. Harnessing this vast resource is crucial for the decarbonization of global energy systems, complementing more established renewables such as solar and wind. The concept is closely linked to the Blue Economy, a holistic framework that integrates ocean-based economic activities with environmental stewardship and social inclusion. Blue energy encompasses a variety of technologies, including offshore wind, wave, tidal, current, OTEC, and salinity gradient power, which can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also foster innovation and strengthen energy security.
This thesis investigates the current state and strategic value of blue energy innovation within the broader framework of the Blue Economy, with a specific focus on the energy security of Italy. Italy has an 8,000 km-long coastline and possesses a potential offshore wind capacity of 20 GW, capable of producing 16 GW of total marine renewable capacity by 2030 and 50 GW by 2050. Realizing this potential will reduce imported fossil fuel reliance by more than 40% and generate 100,000 high-skill jobs by 2040. A coherent roadmap is offered through national strategies (PNRR, NECP), EU-consistent regulatory frameworks, and green and blue finance mechanisms poised to generate EUR 10-15 billion of investment.
Special attention is devoted to the Italian Navy as a strategic force, acting as a first adopter, technology prover, and technology security enforcer through projects, the development of green naval ports, and hybrid wind-hydrogen platforms. Innovation and commercialisation are quickened by the tripartite collaboration between defence, industry (ENI, Fincantieri, Leonardo) and research institutions (ENEA, CNR).
The research is structured around five main chapters: Chapter 1 on the Blue Economy; Chapter 2 examining marine renewable energy typologies; Chapter 3 addressing technological innovations; Chapter 4 focusing on the Italian case study and the role of the Navy; and Chapter 5 outlining future scenarios, challenges, and the 2030-2050 policy roadmap.
The analysis confirms that, despite high capital investments and environmental concerns, it is necessary to streamline permitting, make circular design obligatory, and provide naval protection for vital infrastructure.
By combining both global and national perspectives, the thesis aspires to provide an original contribution, demonstrating that blue energy is not only a technological or environmental issue, but a strategic and geopolitical one with the potential to reshape global energy systems, maritime industries, and international cooperation, positioning Italy to be the marine centre of marine renewable converging technologies, naval leadership, and strong policy backing to enable the sea to become a clean energy source, bringing economic well-being and geopolitical stability.