The project Maestrale intends to lay the basis for a Maritime Energy Deployment Strategy in the Mediterranean. Based on a survey of existing and innovative technologies, hindrances and potentials in participating countries, it aims to widen knowledge sharing among scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and citizens and prompt effective actions and investments for blue growth.

Notwithstanding the large number of academic and technical studies in the field of renewable blue energy, there is a lack of concrete initiatives and operating plants in the MED area. To fill this gap, project partners will cooperate to detect maritime renewable energy potentials in participating countries as regards their physical, legal, technological, economic and social contexts. Among the issues to be faced, there are environmental sustainability, technological innovation, acceptability by citizens, and possible conflicts with marine ecosystems.

The main output will consist in the creation of Blue Energy Labs (BEL) to take place in each participating region. BELs will involve local enterprises, public authorities, knowledge institutions and citizens and will operate to support future blue energy policies and plan concrete strategies for blue growth. A number of pilot projects will serve the purpose of raising awareness among local stakeholders, facilitating social acceptance, decreasing uncertainty and increasing the feasibility of concrete interventions.


Partner institutions: University of Siena (Lead Partner), Italy; Business Innovation Centre of Valencia, Spain; Advanced Technology Centre for Renewable Energies, Spain; Istrian Regional Energy Agency, Lda, Croatia; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; Goriska Local Energy Agency, Nova Gorica, Slovenia; Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus, Cyprus; Informest, Italy; University of Algarve; Portugal; Autonomous Region Fruili Venezia Giulia, Italy; Joint Research Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Environmental Sustainability – Malta Intelligent Energy Management, Malta.

CinTurs researcher(s): João Guerreiro (UAlg Coordinator)

Budget UAlg: 219,500€

Funding institution(s): ERDF by Interreg MED Programme

Period: 2016 - 2020

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