Orsted Set to Resume Revolution Wind Construction
Danish renewable energy company Orsted announced it will restart construction on the Revolution Wind offshore project “as soon as possible” following a federal court ruling that blocked the Trump administration’s stop-work order. The project, located off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut, is currently 80% complete and is designed to provide power for more than 350,000 homes.
Legal Battle Over Stop-Work Order
The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a halt to construction on August 22, 2025. Orsted, together with its partner Skyborn Renewables, challenged the order by filing a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. They argued the stop-work directive was arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and issued in bad faith.
“Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority,” Orsted stated on Monday following the court’s decision.
Judge Grants Temporary Injunction
Judge Royce Lamberth granted Orsted’s request for a temporary injunction, citing a likelihood of success on the merits of the case and the potential for irreparable harm to Orsted if the stop-work order remained in effect during litigation. This ruling effectively allows construction to resume while the legal dispute continues. The Trump administration retains the option to appeal the injunction. Efforts to obtain comment from the White House were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Trump Administration’s Offshore Wind Stance
This court decision marks a significant setback for President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign to halt offshore wind energy development in the United States. Since taking office, Trump has imposed bans on new offshore wind leases and has expressed skepticism about the viability and cost of offshore wind power. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently reaffirmed this stance, stating at the Gastech conference in Milan that offshore wind has no future under the current administration due to concerns over expense and reliability.
“Under this administration, there is not a future for offshore wind because it is too expensive and not reliable enough,” Burgum said on September 11.
Significance of Revolution Wind Project
- Fully permitted and nearing completion, the Revolution Wind project is a critical asset for regional clean energy supply.
- It is expected to power over 350,000 homes in New England, advancing renewable energy goals.
- The project represents a test case for federal support of offshore wind infrastructure amid political opposition.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The federal judge’s injunction allowing Orsted to resume construction on Revolution Wind is a pivotal moment for the U.S. offshore wind sector. It underscores the legal and political challenges facing renewable energy projects under the current administration but also highlights the resilience of market participants committed to clean energy development.
- Opportunities: Resumption of construction could accelerate renewable energy capacity and support regional clean energy targets.
- Risks: Potential appeals and ongoing political resistance may delay project completion and increase costs.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: The administration’s opposition creates a volatile regulatory environment for offshore wind investments.
- Market Impact: Positive signal for the offshore wind industry that fully permitted projects may withstand political interference.
Impact: This ruling represents a short-term positive development for offshore wind developers and investors but does not fully resolve the broader political opposition that remains a significant risk to the sector’s growth.
