Empire Wind, the ambitious offshore wind energy project developed by Equinor off the coast of New York, has officially resumed operations following the lifting of a suspension order issued earlier this year by the Trump administration. The decision to allow construction to continue marks a significant victory for the Norwegian energy company and reinforces the importance of renewable energy projects in the United States.
Equinor confirms project continuation after political impasse
Equinor CEO Anders Opedal announced in a press release on Tuesday that the company is “pleased to continue the development of Empire Wind.” The project had been put on hold on April 16, when USA Interior Secretary Doug Burgum halted all construction activity, claiming that the initiative had been “rushed through by the Biden administration.”
After weeks of intensive negotiations with representatives at the federal, state, and local levels, the Trump administration reversed its decision. According to Opedal, had the suspension remained in place, Equinor would likely have ceased all operations in the USA due to the financial and industrial consequences.
Empire Wind to supply power to 500,000 homes
The Empire Wind project, developed by Equinor’s subsidiary Empire Wind Offshore, was first approved for a lease in 2017. After winning a competitive bid to supply offshore wind energy, construction began in earnest only in 2024, following federal approval.
Once complete, the offshore wind farm is expected to supply electricity to approximately 500,000 American homes. Located off the southern coast of Brooklyn, the project includes key infrastructure at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, and has already secured $3 billion USD (approx. €2.77 billion) in financing as of January 2025. Roughly 30% of the project has been completed, with full operations scheduled to begin by 2027.
Political and diplomatic efforts behind the reversal
The resumption of Empire Wind was facilitated by sustained diplomatic and political engagement. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg personally lobbied USA officials, including Kevin Hassett, a senior economic advisor to Trump. Stoltenberg reported ongoing discussions with both the USA Interior and Treasury Secretaries, emphasizing the project’s industrial significance and the need for regulatory stability.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also played a key role, highlighting the economic stakes: “I fought to save clean energy jobs in New York – and we succeeded.” Equinor estimated losses of 500 million NOK (approx. €43 million) per week during the forced pause, with thousands of direct and supplier jobs at risk.
A green milestone for American energy policy
Despite the setback, Equinor remains confident in meeting the original timeline. Molly Morris, head of Equinor’s Americas renewable division, stated: “Empire Wind will deliver a critical new power source to the region while creating thousands of new jobs across the country.”
The project’s revival signals a renewed commitment to offshore wind development in the USA and demonstrates the potential of transatlantic cooperation in advancing clean energy transitions.
