The Empire Wind project, a significant offshore wind venture by Equinor, is back on track after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) lifted a stop-work order that had halted construction since April 2025. This decision, following extensive discussions with regulators and officials at various levels, is a pivotal moment for the US offshore wind sector and the broader energy landscape.
Equinor’s CEO, Anders Opedal, expressed appreciation for the resumption of construction, emphasizing the project’s role in delivering energy, supporting local economies, and creating jobs. The Empire Wind project, approved by former President Joe Biden in 2023, is designed to power half a million homes from 2027 using Vestas wind turbines. With the project currently 30% complete, Equinor is poised to conduct a revised financial evaluation in the second quarter of 2025 and aims to meet its commercial operation date in 2027.
The lifting of the stop-work order is not just a win for Empire Wind but also a significant boost for the US investment climate. It addresses concerns about the security of fully permitted developments, which represent billions in investments. Equinor had been spending $50 million weekly to sustain the project during the suspension, highlighting the financial stakes involved. The industry has welcomed this development as a step towards significant investment and job creation.
The Empire Wind project is part of a broader push in the US to expand offshore wind capacity. Currently, the US has four operational offshore wind farms and four under construction, including Empire Wind. The project’s supply chain investments span several states, including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina, underscoring its national impact.
The lifting of the stop-work order also comes as part of a compromise that may revive plans for the proposed Constitution natural gas pipeline, previously cancelled. This compromise illustrates the complex interplay between different energy sectors and the need for balanced policymaking. The decision to lift the order is a testament to the administration’s commitment to fostering a stable investment environment for clean energy projects.
The Empire Wind project’s resumption is a clear signal to the energy sector that the US is serious about its offshore wind ambitions. It challenges the notion that regulatory hurdles and political shifts can derail fully permitted projects. The industry will be watching closely to see how this development shapes future investments and policy decisions.
As the US aims to increase its offshore wind capacity, the Empire Wind project serves as a case study in navigating regulatory challenges and political landscapes. The project’s resumption is a victory for clean energy advocates and a reminder of the potential for job creation and economic growth in the sector. The coming months will be crucial as Equinor works to mitigate the effects of the stop-work order and achieve its targeted commercial operation date. The industry and policymakers alike will be keenly observing the progress, as the outcomes could set precedents for future offshore wind developments in the US.