Equinor, the Norwegian energy company, has officially resumed construction of its Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project after the U.S. government lifted a stop-work order issued earlier this year. The New York-based wind farm, which is a vital part of the United States’ push toward clean energy, had faced delays due to regulatory and permitting issues.
The announcement was made on May 14, 2025, and it marks a major milestone for the American renewable energy sector.
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had previously issued a stop-work order to Equinor due to outstanding permitting issues related to environmental impact studies and coastal infrastructure development.
This delay sparked concerns among clean energy advocates and investors who have closely followed the progress of offshore wind in the U.S.
However, after months of review, the U.S. government concluded that Equinor has met the necessary compliance measures to proceed. The decision comes after extensive consultation with environmental groups, state authorities, and maritime stakeholders.
For more on U.S. offshore wind permitting, visit BOEM Official Website
The Empire Wind 1 project is one part of the larger Empire Wind development, located off the southern coast of Long Island, New York. Once completed, the wind farm will produce up to 816 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity—enough to power over 500,000 homes in the region.
Empire Wind 1 is being developed by Equinor in partnership with BP, and is expected to play a key role in helping New York meet its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals, which aim for 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
Read more about New York’s Renewable Energy Goals
With the green light now given, Equinor is moving quickly to resume work. The company has already reactivated its workforce and equipment along the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which will serve as a key staging and operations hub for the project.
According to company officials, the immediate focus will be on:
Equinor stated that the delay caused “minimal damage” to the overall project timeline and that Empire Wind 1 is still on track to begin commercial operations in late 2026.
Learn more about the Empire Wind Project
The decision to lift the stop-work order has been welcomed by both state and federal officials. New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the move, calling it “a strong step toward a cleaner energy future.”
The U.S. Department of Energy also released a statement saying that the restart of Empire Wind 1 will “support thousands of jobs and boost America’s offshore wind supply chain.”
Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), have shown cautious optimism. While they support the resumption of construction, they have urged Equinor and its partners to ensure the project protects marine ecosystems and minimizes environmental risks.
See more on NRDC’s stance on Offshore Wind
Empire Wind 1 is expected to be a major economic booster for New York. According to Equinor, the project will create more than 1,000 direct construction jobs and hundreds of indirect jobs in sectors like logistics, transportation, and manufacturing.
The Brooklyn Marine Terminal, previously underutilized, is being transformed into a state-of-the-art offshore wind operations base, adding long-term economic value to the region.
Local labor unions have also expressed support for the restart, citing the project as a model for union-supported green energy development.
Despite the good news, Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 still faces some hurdles. Rising costs for materials, ongoing supply chain issues, and future weather-related delays could pose risks. Additionally, some local opposition remains over concerns about noise, visibility, and property values.
However, analysts suggest that the strong government backing and the public’s increasing demand for clean energy will help the project stay on course.
The company is also developing Empire Wind 2, a second phase that will generate an additional 1,260 MW of wind energy. Together, Empire Wind 1 and 2 could provide up to 2 GW of power, contributing significantly to the Biden administration’s target of 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Equinor has also pledged to use lessons learned from Empire Wind 1 to streamline permitting and construction for future projects in the U.S.
Check out Equinor’s Renewable Energy Portfolio
The resumption of the Empire Wind 1 project is a major win for the U.S. offshore wind industry. As the country battles climate change and works to replace fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives, projects like Empire Wind 1 are crucial for success.
The lifting of the stop-work order signals that, despite regulatory challenges, the future of wind power in America is still strong and growing.
Stay tuned for further updates as construction progresses and more renewable energy projects come online across the U.S.
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