The United States Department of the Interior has lifted a stop work order issued to Equinor’s 810MW Empire Wind 1, allowing the project to resume construction off the coast of New York.
Anders Opedal (pictured), President and CEO of Equinor, said: “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.”
The CEO went on to thank Norwegian political leaders.
“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 US administration,” Opedal said.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “After countless conversations with Equinor and White House officials, bringing labour and business to the table to emphasise the importance of this project, I’m pleased that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have agreed to lift the stop work order and allow this project to move forward.”
Equinor said it will perform an updated assessment of the project’s economics over the course of the second quarter, and is still aiming for a commercial operation date in 2027 for the project.
Empire will engage with suppliers and regulatory bodies to reduce the impact of the stop work order, Equinor said, and added that the project still plans to execute its previously planned activities in the 2025 installation window.
Meanwhile the US offshore sector celebrated the project’s good news.
Liz Burdock, chair of the trade group Oceantic Network, said: “After more than a month of uncertainty, America is back on track with an Above All Energy approach-one that puts thousands of skilled workers back on the job, reignites construction in our nation’s shipyards, and sends mariners back to sea.”
Burdock pointed to New York’s political leadership.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, whose unwavering commitment and leadership ensured that offshore wind-the largest energy infrastructure effort in the last 50 years and a cornerstone of New York’s economy-never lost momentum,” Burdock said.
President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Doreen Harris said: “The restoration of Empire Wind 1 secures jobs for more than 1,500 construction workers, drives economic development, and advances one of the largest energy infrastructure undertakings in the past 50 years to deliver reliable, locally produced energy to New Yorkers.”
NYSERDA has a power purchase agreement with Empire Wind.
American Clean Power Association (ACP) CEO Jason Grumet praised the move, saying: “The decision is a critical step toward supporting an all of the above energy policy and is consistent with the Administration’s commitment to reducing the bureaucratic obstacles that are undermining critical infrastructure development across the nation.”