In a major blow to the offshore wind industry, the Trump administration has ordered construction to stop on Revolution Wind, a $4 billion offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island that was close to completion. The surprise decision halts a project that was expected to generate clean energy for more than 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut by next year.
Offshore Wind Farm in Rhode Island Stopped Despite Progress
Revolution Wind, a 65-turbine offshore wind project built by Ørsted, had already completed nearly 80% of its construction. Turbine blades, rotor sections, and steel towers were staged for installation, with developers confident about meeting their 2026 energy delivery goals.
But on Friday, Matthew Giacona, acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), issued a letter ordering Ørsted to “halt all ongoing activities.” The letter cited “concerns related to national security interests” without offering further details.
Ørsted responded by saying it was evaluating all options, including legal action, while stressing its commitment to finishing the project.
Trump’s Offshore Wind Opposition Gains Momentum
This is not the first time the Trump administration has moved against wind power projects:
Earlier this year, the Empire Wind project off Long Island was forced to pause after federal intervention.
The administration reversed approval for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, citing unspecified legal issues.
The Commerce Department also launched a trade investigation into imported wind turbine components, which could lead to tariffs and higher costs.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has taken steps to extend the life of coal plants, even those slated for retirement, while promoting oil and gas expansion.
Local Impact: Rhode Island and Connecticut Energy Costs at Risk
For Rhode Island and Connecticut residents, the halt could mean higher electricity costs and lost opportunities for renewable energy jobs. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong condemned the decision, warning it could “mothball billions of dollars in investment” and hurt ratepayers.
Industry groups echoed those concerns. Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, warned that the decision could ripple through supply chains, contracts, and coastal economies already depending on offshore energy development.
Environmental Groups Divided Over Offshore Wind
While many climate advocates criticized the halt as a setback for renewable energy in the U.S., some environmental groups supported the move. Green Oceans, a nonprofit that has sued over offshore wind permits, applauded the administration’s action, calling the approval process “seriously flawed.”
Still, renewable energy experts argue that pausing nearly complete projects undermines investment confidence and slows America’s transition to clean energy. Offshore wind is well established in Europe, but in the U.S., the industry remains fragile due to high costs, supply chain challenges, and political opposition.
What’s Next for Revolution Wind?
Ørsted now faces uncertainty over the future of Revolution Wind and its sister project, Sunrise Wind near Long Island. The company recently announced it needed to raise an additional $9.4 billion to shore up finances amid market challenges.
If the project remains on hold, Rhode Island and Connecticut risk losing a key source of renewable offshore wind energy, jeopardizing clean power targets and regional job growth.
Final Takeaway
The Trump administration’s halt of Revolution Wind highlights the growing clash between clean energy development and political opposition. With offshore wind projects in the U.S. already facing steep economic hurdles, the decision could stall progress just as the industry was beginning to scale.
As legal challenges and negotiations unfold, one thing is clear: the future of offshore wind in America is at a crossroads, with billions in investment and thousands of jobs hanging in the balance.