Equinor Files Lawsuit to Save Empire Wind Project From Second Trump Suspension
Equinor is suing the Department of the Interior to overturn a suspension of the Empire Wind project, citing unlawful interference and significant financial implications.Summary
Equinor has filed a lawsuit challenging the Department of the Interior’s recent suspension of construction on the Empire Wind offshore wind project, marking the latest conflict between renewable energy developers and the Trump administration. The suspension, affecting five major East Coast projects representing over $10 billion in investment, is based on national security concerns regarding radar interference from turbine blades. Equinor argues the order is “unlawful” and threatens the project, which is over 60% complete and represents a $4 billion investment, including $2.7 billion already financed. This is the second suspension for Empire Wind in less than a year, previously causing a $763 million impairment charge for Equinor. Denmark’s Ørsted has also filed a lawsuit challenging the suspension of its Revolution Wind project. Industry groups condemn the suspensions as unjustified, highlighting the rigorous national security reviews already completed for these projects, and warn of the uncertainty created for future energy development in the United States. The legal battles will determine the fate of these projects and potentially reshape America’s offshore wind ambitions.
(Source：Gcaptain)