Overview

• The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a stop‑work order on Aug. 22 halting all activities at Ørsted’s Revolution Wind site off Rhode Island pending completion of a federal review.
• BOEM’s letter, signed by acting director Matthew Giacona, says the review addresses national security interests and potential interference with reasonable uses of the exclusive economic zone and territorial seas.
• Revolution Wind is about 80% complete with 45 of 65 turbines installed for a planned 704 MW capacity under 20‑year contracts supplying 400 MW to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut.
• Ørsted says it is complying with the order and evaluating financial and legal options to resolve the matter, while the company had targeted bringing power online after securing all federal and state permits in 2023.
• Rhode Island and Connecticut leaders pledged to challenge the decision, as industry groups warn the move deepens investor uncertainty following earlier pauses and reversals involving Empire Wind, Lava Ridge, and new trade and tax policies.