New York’s Offshore Wind Project Back on Track After Regulatory Hurdle

Empire Offshore Wind Resumes Construction, Eyes 2027 Deadline

After a brief pause, Empire Offshore Wind LLC (Empire), a subsidiary of Norwegian energy giant Equinor ASA, is back in action. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) lifted its stop work order this week, clearing the way for construction to resume on the massive renewable energy project. The pause, imposed on 16 April 2025, was resolved following intense discussions between Equinor, regulators, and state officials.

“This is a critical step forward for New York’s clean energy future,” said an Equinor spokesperson. “We’re committed to delivering reliable, renewable power to half a million homes.”

The $60 billion project—part of Equinor’s decades-long U.S. energy investment spree—is already over 30% complete. Leased in 2017 and federally approved in early 2024, Empire Offshore Wind secured financing last year and now races to meet its 2025 offshore installation window. If all goes smoothly, commercial operations will begin by 2027.

Supply Chain Boost and Economic Reassessment

Beyond powering homes, the project promises to inject life into regional supply chains. Contracts span five states—New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina—supporting jobs and local manufacturing. But challenges remain: Equinor plans to reassess the project’s economics in Q2 2025, likely scrutinizing costs amid fluctuating material prices and labor shortages.

Equinor’s U.S. portfolio, built since the early 2000s, includes oil, gas, and renewables. Empire Offshore Wind marks one of its most ambitious green energy bets. Meanwhile, in unrelated news, Energy Global’s Spring 2025 issue highlights hybrid solar plants by Qair in Chad, underscoring the global push for innovative renewables.

“The U.S. offshore wind industry is at a crossroads,” said a BOEM official. “Projects like Empire prove momentum is building, but execution is everything.”

With construction back on track, all eyes are on Equinor’s next moves. Can it stick the landing—or will delays and budget woes haunt the final stretch? For now, the turbines are turning again.