(World Oil) – Following dialogue with regulators and federal, state, and city officials, the U.S. has lifted the stop-work order on the Empire Wind project, allowing construction to resume. Once complete, the offshore wind development will provide power for 500,000 New York homes, Equinor said in a statement.
“I would like to thank President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S.,” said Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA. “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her constructive collaboration with the Trump Administration, without which we would not have been able to advance this project and secure energy for 500,000 homes in New York. We are very appreciative of New York City Mayor Adams, congressional leaders including Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Garbarino, and Representative Goldman, as well as labor groups and other advocates that have maintained their steadfast support for the project.”
“I would like to thank the Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and Minister of Finance Stoltenberg for their support at a critical time, and that the Minister of Finance raised the situation with the U.S. administration,” Opedal continued.
“This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the United States and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region. Empire Wind brings supply chain investments in states across the nation including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and South Carolina,” said Molly Morris, President of Equinor Wind U.S.
“We appreciate the Trump administration’s swift review of the Empire Wind project and engagement with state and local governments and other stakeholders. Lifting the stop work order underscores the project’s critical role in safely advancing American energy, shipbuilding, workforce development and economic growth,” said National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito. “With power demand surging due to AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing, offshore wind is an important part of an all-of-the-above solution.”
Equinor will perform an updated assessment of the project economics in the second quarter. Empire aims to be able to execute planned activities in the offshore installation window in 2025 and reach its planned commercial operation date in 2027. Empire will engage with suppliers and regulatory bodies to reduce the impact of the stop work order.
