Construction has resumed on the Empire Wind offshore wind project, led by Equinor ASA, following the lifting of a stop-work order by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The halt, initiated on April 16, 2025, was due to procedural concerns regarding permitting processes under the previous administration. After extensive discussions involving federal, state, and city officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the order was rescinded on May 19, 2025, allowing the project to proceed.
Equinor’s CEO, Anders Opedal, expressed gratitude to both U.S. and Norwegian officials for their support during this critical period. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts that enabled the project to move forward, emphasising its significance in delivering renewable energy and supporting local economies.
The Empire Wind project, located approximately 15 to 30 miles south of Long Island, New York, is designed to generate 810 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power around 500,000 homes. Construction began in 2024 and is currently over 30% complete, with a targeted operational date set for 2027.
Beyond its energy contributions, the project is expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs and stimulate economic growth across several states, including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina. Equinor plans to conduct an updated assessment of the project’s economics in the second quarter of 2025 to mitigate any impacts from the recent construction pause.
The resumption of the Empire Wind project marks a significant step in advancing the United States’ renewable energy goals and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government entities and private industry in addressing energy and environmental challenges.
