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42m ago

BOEM Halts Nearly Finished Revolution Wind Project Off Rhode Island, Citing National Security

The national security review of the near‑finished project has triggered reliability warnings plus political pressure to resume work.

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A general view of the White House as U.S. President Donald Trump's motorcade returns following a trip to Trump National Golf Club, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 20, 2025. REUTERS/Al Drago/File Photo
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Governor Ned Lamont; Photo source: State of Connecticut, Office of the Governor

Overview

  • The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ordered Revolution Wind to stop offshore construction on Aug. 22 to address unspecified national security concerns and potential interference with other ocean uses.
  • Ørsted says the 704‑MW project is about 80% complete with all foundations and 45 of 65 turbines installed, contracted to deliver 400 MW to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut, serving more than 350,000 homes at 9.8 cents per kWh under 20‑year deals.
  • ISO New England warned the delay will increase risks to grid reliability and could hinder economic growth as regional electricity demand rises.
  • Ørsted is complying with the order, evaluating legal options, and proceeding with a planned $9.4 billion rights issue as its shares fell to a record low after the halt.
  • Governors Ned Lamont and Dan McKee, members of Congress, and labor leaders condemned the pause as a threat to union jobs and state energy goals, while noting a similar stop on New York’s Empire Wind was later lifted after negotiations.