The Empire Wind project, a key renewable energy initiative, has resumed construction activities after a stop work order was lifted by the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The decision allows Equinor ASA to continue building the offshore wind farm, which aims to provide power to 500,000 homes in New York.
Equinor’s CEO Anders Opedal expressed gratitude to President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides continued investments in energy infrastructure. He also thanked Governor Hochul, New York City Mayor Adams, congressional leaders, labor groups, and the Norwegian government for their support.
The project has been under review since April 2025, when a stop work order was issued due to regulatory concerns. However, dialogue with regulators and officials led to the lifting of the order, paving the way for resumption of construction activities.
Equinor plans to complete an updated assessment of the project’s economics in the second quarter and aims to execute planned activities within the offshore installation window in 2025. The company has already secured financing for the project, which is currently more than 30% complete.
The Empire Wind project is a significant investment for Equinor, with approximately $60 billion invested in US energy projects since the early 2000s. The project aligns with Equinor’s commitment to delivering energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs.
Source: https://www.equinor.com/news/20250519-empire-wind-project-resumes-construction