· 3 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Construction on the Empire Wind project, a large offshore wind farm off New York’s coast, is set to resume after the Trump administration reversed its previous decision to halt it
• The move reinstates a key component of the state’s renewable energy strategy, following a pause announced by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who had criticized the Biden administration’s approval process
🔭 The context: Empire Wind, led by Norwegian energy giant Equinor, is one of the most ambitious offshore wind developments in the U.S., designed to help New York meet its aggressive climate goals
• The pause came amid growing political friction over federal permitting for clean energy infrastructure, especially projects initiated under the Biden administration
• Offshore wind has faced delays due to regulatory, financial, and logistical hurdles
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The project is expected to supply clean power to over a million New York homes, contributing significantly to decarbonizing the state’s energy mix
• Offshore wind is a cornerstone of the U.S. strategy to transition away from fossil fuels, and setbacks could hinder national climate targets
• The resumption signals renewed momentum, but lingering uncertainty around federal support remains a risk
⏭️ What's next: Equinor (see sustainability performance) is expected to quickly resume construction and associated supply chain activities, aiming to stay on track for its planned launch later this decade
• The federal government’s shifting stance highlights the volatility facing major clean energy investments, particularly in an election year
• Regulatory clarity and bipartisan support will be essential to safeguard the broader offshore wind agenda
💬 One quote: “Restoring construction on Empire Wind is critical for meeting New York’s clean energy targets and signaling federal alignment on climate goals,” — an Equinor spokesperson
📈 One stat: Empire Wind is projected to generate over 2 gigawatts of electricity — enough to power approximately 1 million homes
See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Equinor, and its peers Ørsted, and Ibedrola
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