US orders halt to nearly completed offshore wind farm project

Saturday 23 August 2025 - 14:02

By: Sahili Aya

US orders halt to nearly completed offshore wind farm project

The US government has ordered the suspension of work on a massive offshore wind farm off the country’s northeast coast, despite the project being nearly 80% complete. It is the latest setback for the wind energy sector under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has repeatedly voiced opposition to wind power.

The project, known as Revolution Wind, is being developed by Danish renewable energy company Orsted and was expected to provide electricity to more than 350,000 homes in Rhode Island. Construction began last year after all required permits were secured.

On Friday, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a letter directing an “immediate halt to all ongoing activities” to allow a review, citing “concerns related to the protection of US national security interests.” The letter did not specify further details. BOEM stated that work cannot resume until the review is completed.

Orsted announced that it is “assessing all options to resolve the issue quickly,” including potential legal action. According to the company, 45 of the planned 65 turbines have already been installed, with hopes of finishing the project by the end of next year.

Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has issued executive orders suspending permits and federal financing for both onshore and offshore wind projects. He has argued that wind turbines are “ugly,” damage landscapes, and harm marine life.

Earlier this year, another major offshore wind project, Empire Wind, developed by Norway’s Equinor off the coast of New York, was also temporarily halted by the Trump administration.