The Revolution Wind project, a significant offshore wind initiative, has resumed construction following a recent decision by a U.S. court to lift a stop-work order. Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables have formed a new 50-50 joint venture to compete. Combined, they will provide roughly 2.5% of Rhode Island and Connecticut’s electricity requirements. If successful, this project would become the first large-scale offshore wind farm in any of these states. Yet it has been delayed first by national security concerns and more recently by the need for federal approval.
Construction for the Revolution Wind project began in 2024, with Ørsted pledging approximately $5 billion to its development. Currently, the project is said to be 80 percent finished. The stop in operations has taken a severe toll on the 1,200 affected employees. Here’s why each day we’re delayed is costing us roughly $2.3 million in inflation. Ørsted has recently suggested that in the unlikely event the project were to be canceled, it would incur costs of more than $1 billion.
Federal Approval and Challenges
The Revolution Wind project is very much at the mercy of federal approval, though that has been the main factor driving major delays thus far. The wide-bodied, specialized vessel required for the design won’t even be ready until at least 2028. This delay throws a big wrench into our timeline for deployment. The unexpected work stoppage has dealt a devastating financial hit. More tellingly, it has frozen $679 million in federal funding that had previously been reserved for different offshore wind projects.
This statement underscores the growing demand for federal approvals. It further highlights the important and often complex impact these approvals can have on the overall project and various stakeholders.
“There is no question in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.” – Judge Royce Lamberth
Revolution Wind is very much committed to addressing those challenges. We are sincerely working with the U.S. administration and all other influential stakeholders to accelerate the resolution processes. We know that Ørsted believes very deeply in the potential of offshore wind. Their investment is a testament to this deep rooted commitment to renewable energy for the region. For the company, that means providing a big slice of local energy demand while furthering some larger climate and environmental objectives.
Commitment to Collaboration
Stakeholders are working together to navigate the challenges of tangled federal regulations and new security threats. In the meantime, Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables are 100% focused on getting this critical project across the finish line.
After having issued the unprecedentedly broad stop-work order, the court now lifted that stay. Now, Revolution Wind is primed to continue sailing ahead, and to become Rhode Island and Connecticut’s first large offshore wind farm! Bringing back construction activities is an important and necessary next step. It’s a win for the current workforce, and it sets the stage for more renewable energy projects in the area to come.
Looking Forward
With the court’s decision lifting the stop-work order, Revolution Wind is poised to continue its trajectory toward becoming Rhode Island and Connecticut’s first large offshore wind farm. The restoration of construction activities represents a crucial step forward, not only for the immediate workforce involved but also for the future of renewable energy initiatives in the region.