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A significant federal directive has paused construction on the Revolution Wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island, introducing uncertainty for what was slated to be the state’s largest renewable energy initiative. The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop-work order on Friday afternoon, citing unspecified national security concerns.
The offshore wind project, developed by Danish energy company Orsted, was nearing 80 percent completion, with 45 of its 65 turbines already installed. This unexpected halt jeopardizes a project crucial for both Rhode Island and Connecticut, which held power purchase agreements anticipating the wind farm would power up to 350,000 homes by next year.
Unspecified Security Concerns Cloud Project Future
The terse letter from BOEM, signed by acting director Matthew Giacona, did not detail the specific national security concerns prompting the order. Orsted, which secured construction permits from the Biden administration in 2023, confirmed its compliance with the federal directive and stated it is currently evaluating its options, including potential legal action, to resolve the matter.
This isn’t an isolated incident for the Trump administration regarding offshore wind. A similar, month-long halt affected the Empire Wind project earlier this spring before construction was permitted to resume. However, other similarly sized offshore wind farms, such as Vineyard Wind and Empire Wind, currently under construction by different developers in nearby federal waters, remain unaffected by this latest order impacting Revolution Wind.
Rhode Island Officials Vow to Fight for Revolution Wind
The stop-work order has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from Rhode Island’s highest levels of government. State officials have pledged to challenge the Trump administration’s decision, confirming they are also considering legal recourse to get the Revolution Wind project back on track.
Revolution Wind is a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s ambitious “Act on Climate” legislation, passed in 2021, which mandates a complete transition to clean energy sources by 2033. Attorney General Peter Neronha underscored the project’s importance, stating it was projected to double Rhode Island’s renewable energy supply. “Without Revolution Wind, our Act on Climate is dead in the water,” Neronha asserted, labeling the administration’s move as “bizarre” given the significant investments and clear economic and environmental benefits.
Governor Dan McKee echoed concerns, highlighting the risk to hundreds of American jobs. Orsted operates a manufacturing facility in Providence, responsible for producing turbine foundations for various East Coast wind farms. Additionally, the project relies on local construction unions for turbine assembly at a New London, Connecticut, port facility and for offshore installation approximately 15 miles south of Rhode Island’s coast.
The sudden federal intervention leaves the future of this pivotal clean energy project uncertain, setting the stage for a potential legal and political battle between state and federal authorities.