Trump Administration Rescinds Work Halt on $5 Billion Empire Wind Initiative

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has given the green light to restart construction on the Empire Wind project after a month-long pause. This ambitious $5 billion initiative aims to provide renewable energy for around 500,000 homes in new York by 2027 and marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. renewable energy landscape. Launched in 2024, Empire Wind is already over 30% complete but hit a snag when BOEM halted operations on April 16, 2025.

Empire Wind also has plans for an additional phase that could generate about 2.1 gigawatts of power.Equinor ASA’s President and CEO, Anders Opedal, expressed recognition for the support from key figures like President Trump and Governor Hochul, whose efforts were vital in getting things back on track.“We’re thrilled that we can continue with Empire Wind—a project that not onyl delivers clean energy but also boosts local economies and job creation,” he noted.

This work stoppage was part of a larger freeze on offshore wind projects initiated by President Trump due to concerns regarding how approvals were handled under previous administrations. The decision led to legal challenges from eighteen states spearheaded by New york Attorney General Letitia james,who aimed to safeguard maritime jobs and investments.

Financially speaking, Empire Wind holds important weight with an estimated gross book value of around $2.5 billion as of March 31, 2025—this includes $1.5 billion tied up in project finance loans. Additionally, it involves revitalizing the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into what will be America’s largest dedicated port facility for offshore wind operations.

Molly Morris, who leads Equinor Wind US, highlighted how this project extends its economic benefits beyond New York: “Empire Wind is set to drive supply chain investments across various states including louisiana and Texas.” The journey began back in 2017 when Empire secured its lease through competitive bidding off New York’s coast.

After thorough environmental assessments were completed early last year—and financing secured—the company is now gearing up for an updated economic review slated for Q2 while keeping its eyes firmly set on hitting that commercial operation target date in 2027. They plan to collaborate closely with suppliers and regulatory agencies to mitigate any fallout from this recent delay.

The revival of Empire Wind signifies more than just one project’s comeback; it represents Equinor’s ongoing commitment to investing heavily—around $60 billion since the early ’00s—in American energy infrastructure as part of a broader push towards sustainable solutions.