Equinor’s Empire Wind Project Moves Forward, Construction Resumes Following BOEM Approval

Equinor’s Empire Wind Project Moves Forward, Construction Resumes Following BOEM Approval

(IN BRIEF) Empire Offshore Wind LLC, a subsidiary of Equinor ASA, has resumed construction on the Empire Wind project after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management lifted the stop work order. The project, which is more than 30 percent complete, will provide energy for 500,000 homes in New York and support job creation across multiple U.S. states. Equinor plans to update the project’s economics and continue its work to meet the 2027 commercial operation date.

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 21-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Empire Offshore Wind LLC (Empire), a subsidiary of Equinor ASA, has been notified by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) that the stop work order for the Empire Wind project has been lifted, allowing construction activities to resume.

“We are pleased to announce that construction on Empire Wind can now continue,” said Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA. “This project is a testament to our commitment to deliver sustainable energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs.”

Opedal further expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank President Trump for his efforts in finding a solution that protects thousands of American jobs and ensures continued investments in U.S. energy infrastructure. Additionally, I am thankful for Governor Hochul’s collaboration with the Trump Administration, which has allowed us to move forward with this project and secure energy for 500,000 homes in New York. We also appreciate the support from New York City Mayor Adams, Congressional leaders such as Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Garbarino, Representative Goldman, labor groups, and other advocates who have stood behind this project.”

“I would also like to extend my thanks to Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and Minister of Finance Stoltenberg for their vital support at a critical time, as the Minister raised the situation with the U.S. administration,” Opedal added.

The stop work order was initially issued on April 16, 2025. Following discussions with regulators and officials at the federal, state, and city levels, the order has now been lifted, allowing work to proceed.

Molly Morris, President of Equinor Wind US, commented: “This project is integral to the shared energy goals of the United States and New York. Empire Wind will provide a crucial new source of power for the region, while simultaneously driving supply chain investments across the U.S., including in New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and South Carolina.”

Equinor will carry out an updated assessment of the project’s economics in the second quarter of this year. Empire Wind aims to execute planned activities during the offshore installation window in 2025, with the goal of reaching its commercial operation date in 2027. The company is committed to working closely with suppliers and regulatory bodies to minimize the impact of the recent stop work order.

Empire Wind was first leased a designated area on the outer continental shelf off the coast of New York in 2017 after a competitive process. Following an extensive environmental review, the United States government approved the plan for the commercial offshore wind farm in early 2024, and construction began shortly thereafter. The project is currently more than 30 percent complete.

The United States remains a key market for Equinor. Since the early 2000s, the company has invested approximately USD 60 billion in U.S. energy projects, focusing primarily on oil and gas, and more recently in low-carbon solutions, critical minerals, and renewable energy.

Media Contact:

Sissel Rinde
Vice president Media relations
Corporate affairs
sisr@equinor.com
+47 412 60 584

SOURCE: Equinor