The big offshore wind project in New York is back on

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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