New York Construction Report staff writer
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has lifted the stop work order on the Empire Wind project, allowing construction to resume on the offshore wind farm being developed by Empire Offshore Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Norway-based Equinor ASA.
The order, which was issued on April 16, halted work on the large-scale renewable energy project off the coast of New York. Officials said the decision to lift the order followed discussions with federal, state, and local leaders.
“We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” said Anders Opedal, president and CEO of Equinor ASA.
Opedal credited the resolution to a range of political and diplomatic efforts. He thanked former President Donald Trump, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, several members of Congress, and Norwegian leaders including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
The Empire Wind project is expected to provide energy to roughly 500,000 New York homes. Construction initially began after the U.S. government approved the plan in early 2024, following a competitive leasing process and environmental review. The project is currently more than 30% complete.
“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,” said Molly Morris, president of Equinor Wind US. “Empire Wind brings supply chain investments in states across the nation including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina.”
Equinor plans to update its assessment of the project’s economics in the second quarter. The company aims to carry out offshore installation work in 2025 and reach commercial operation by 2027.
