Why & How

The MAESTRALE Project: an Overview

Within the framework of the Priority Axis n. 1 of Interreg MED 2014-2020 Programme, the MAESTRALE Project aims to lay the foundations for a strategy for the deployment of maritime energy in the Mediterranean area. Based on a survey of existing and innovative technologies, barriers and potentials in participating Countries, MAESTRALE aims to broaden the sharing of knowledge among scientists, policy makers, entrepreneurs and citizens and encourage effective measures and investments for the Blue Growth.

In fact, despite the existence of several academic and technical studies in the field of Blue Renewable Energy, in the MED region there is a lack of concrete initiatives and operating facilities. To close this gap, the Project Partners will cooperate to identify the maritime renewable energy potentials in the participating Countries with regard to their physical, legal, technological, economic and social contexts. Issues to be addressed include environmental sustainability, technological innovation, citizen acceptability, and possible conflicts with marine ecosystems.

The overall objective of MAESTRALE is to promote the development of Blue Energy in the Mediterranean area as a key sector of sustainable growth by promoting the creation and transnational networking of innovation clusters.

MAESTRALE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

*Specific Objective # 1/3*
*Knowledge transfer* Based on the exchange of experiences and knowledge among partners and between actors in Southern and Northern Europe (field trips to operating plants), this will concern a comprehensive and exhaustive survey of regulations, existing and innovative technologies, best practices and hindrances and SWOT. This will act as the essential knowledge basis for blue growth considering both transnational common aspects and specific features of regional areas.		*Planned actions/Expected results:* Overview of regulations, opportunities, hindrances and benefits; State-of-art, survey of existing technologies, previous studies and (EU) projects; Field visits (northern Europe and Atlantic coast) Online geo-database; Energy potential analysis including a catalogue/roadmap of possible solutions; Communication/dissemination.
*Specific Objective #* *2/3*
*Blue Energy Labs BEL* Transnational network among key actors in Blue Energy at the MED/EU level including public authorities, research centres, energy agencies, enterprises, and groups of citizens. BELs will take place in each participating region to support the creation of public-private partnerships, ensure knowledge and innovation exchange among actors and lay the basis for concrete initiatives for blue growth.		*Planned actions/Expected results* Transnational BEL meetings (kick-off meeting + n.5 BEL meetings + final conference); Regional BELs (including training activities, clustering and start-up launching); Communication/ dissemination; Map of target groups; Coordination with horizontal projects (n.6 meetings).
*Specific Objective # 3/3*
*Blue Energy pilot projects* *in MED regions* Regional BELs will elaborate 2 or more pilot projects of blue energy plants in each regional area, providing the best conditions to ensure feasibility, financial support, technological means, social acceptance, and involving administrators, enterprises and groups of citizens. These projects will serve as prototypes for innovative start-ups and further EU developments.		*Planned actions/Expected results* Capacity building (awareness, climate mitigation, energy self-sufficiency); Feasibility studies and business plan of 20 pilot projects (to be funded by ERDF); Communication/ dissemination (including n.10 open day events).