On June 17–18, 2025, the EUSALP Action Group 4 (Mobility) convened in Nice, France, for a high-level meeting aimed at addressing critical aspects of sustainable transport and infrastructure in the Alpine Region. Among the key highlights of the event was a presentation by Mr. Alberto Cozzi from the Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, who introduced the preliminary outcomes of the Interreg Euro-MED project RENEWPORT (Renewable Energy in MED Ports).
During his address, Mr. Cozzi emphasized the vital role that ports must play in the broader European strategy for decarbonization. “Ports are not only gateways to global trade but also strategic hubs where the green transition must happen,” he stated. In this context, RENEWPORT is spearheading efforts to mainstream renewable energy generation and use in Mediterranean port ecosystems, aligning with EU Green Deal objectives and Fit-for-55 targets.
A key feature of the RENEWPORT project is the development of an innovative toolkit designed to calculate the renewable energy potential in port areas. This tool will allow port authorities, municipalities, and energy planners to assess local conditions — including solar irradiation, wind profiles, and spatial constraints — to define optimal renewable energy deployment strategies. The toolkit integrates GIS-based mapping and energy simulation models to ensure high precision and user-friendliness.
Mr. Cozzi stressed the necessity of coupling infrastructure investments, such as onshore power supply (OPS) systems, with sustainable energy sources. “Deploying OPS is a fundamental step, but ensuring that the electricity is green, secure, and cost-effective is what will truly make the difference,” he noted. RENEWPORT supports this vision by facilitating port-level integration of renewables like solar PV, wind turbines, and potentially green hydrogen, depending on port-specific feasibility.
The preliminary findings shared during the AG4 meeting suggest that significant decarbonization gains can be achieved through targeted renewable energy planning. Pilot ports involved in RENEWPORT are already mapping their energy consumption and production baselines to define future investment paths. Furthermore, the project emphasizes transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange as key enablers of scalable, replicable solutions for Mediterranean ports.
Mr. Cozzi concluded with a call to action: “We need a concerted approach that brings together public authorities, energy providers, and port stakeholders. RENEWPORT is laying the groundwork for this new paradigm.”
With RENEWPORT scheduled to conclude in September 2026, the toolkit and accompanying guidelines are expected to become reference tools for ports across Europe aiming to align with EU sustainability goals.
