Photo by Rob Webbon
The White House has ordered construction of the Revolution Wind offshore project to stop, citing unspecified national security risks. The $4bn scheme, being developed by Ørsted and Eversource off Rhode Island and Connecticut, was weeks away from completion and expected to power 350,000 homes.
The Trump administration said the decision was necessary to protect US energy infrastructure, though it did not provide details of the risks identified. The move has sent shockwaves through the renewable sector, with Ørsted’s shares plummeting in response. The company said it was “deeply disappointed” and warned of “significant consequences for investor confidence in US offshore wind.” Offshore Magazine also reported that all work has been suspended pending further clarification.
Critics condemned the order as politically motivated. A local editorial called it “corruption, plain and simple,” highlighting Trump’s long-standing hostility to wind energy. Environmental groups accused the administration of undermining climate goals, while business outlets such as Morning Brew described the suspension of a nearly finished project as “unprecedented.”
Supporters of the decision argue that stronger scrutiny of foreign involvement in critical infrastructure is overdue. Fortune noted that the case could set a precedent for future projects involving non-US developers, while NPR reported growing uncertainty for the broader offshore sector.
The Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly suggested legal challenges are likely, given the scale of financial loss and the absence of clear justification. The Well News also highlighted the regional economic impact, with local officials warning of job losses and stalled investment in port infrastructure.
For marine policy professionals in Europe, the case illustrates the geopolitical risks of investing in the US renewables market. Analysts caution that the halt could slow America’s offshore wind rollout and embolden opponents of large-scale clean energy, even as global markets continue to expand.