News Summary Connecticut and Rhode Island are legally contesting the Trump administration’s stop work order on the nearly completed Revolution Wind offshore energy project. The states argue that this action is baseless and poses immediate harm to the project’s completion, which is 80% finished. With all offshore foundations in place and 70% of the turbines ready, the project is crucial for New England’s energy supply. A potential deadline of September 2025 adds urgency, as delays could threaten its viability. Connecticut and Rhode Island have taken legal action against the Trump administration, seeking a preliminary injunction to lift a stop work order on the nearly completed Revolution Wind offshore energy project. The two states argue that the halt is “baseless” and is causing “immediate and irreparable harm” to the project, which is reportedly 80% finished overall. The Revolution Wind project has all offshore foundations installed, with about 70% of turbines ready for operation. Supportive infrastructure is also well advanced, featuring 90% completion at the mainland interconnection site, one of the two offshore wind utility substations installed, and 84 out of 85 miles of utility export cable laid. Completion of the total construction is anticipated by 2026. Jointly owned by Ørsted and Global Infrastructure Partners, the Revolution Wind project previously involved Eversource Energy, which sold its 50% stake last year. Subsequently, Fitch Ratings placed Eversource on “rating watch negative” due to the company’s remaining financial obligations concerning the project. In light of the stop work order, Ørsted has announced plans to undertake a rights issue aiming to raise $9.4 billion to strengthen its capital structure. Connecticut and Rhode Island assert that delays in construction could jeopardize the project’s overall success, pointing to a specific deadline of September 22, 2025. Missing this deadline could risk the project’s viability. The New England ISO (Independent System Operator) has recognized the importance of the Revolution Wind project for both current and future grid reliability. The Trump administration claims it holds a statutory right to review offshore wind projects as per a January 21 executive order, which mandates a halt on new developments and a review of existing projects. This executive order references “various alleged legal deficiencies” within the permitting processes of wind projects during the Biden administration. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has also started revoking approvals for wind projects, recently citing errors that impact search and rescue operations and commercial fisheries in the case of the Maryland Offshore Wind project. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has highlighted the urgency in resuming construction, warning of immediate job losses and increased reliance on fossil fuels that could arise from the halt. Revolution Wind plans to generate sufficient electricity to power approximately 350,000 homes, equating to around 2.5% of New England’s electricity supply by the time it becomes operational in 2026. The legal complaint filed by Connecticut and Rhode Island alleges that the Trump administration’s abrupt stoppage violates constitutional due process rights. Conversely, the Trump administration has responded by requesting a judge to deny the injunction request, arguing that the states have not provided sufficient details regarding expected costs or construction timelines. Ørsted’s CFO has reiterated the company’s commitment to prioritizing the resumption of the Revolution Wind project. The ongoing legal challenges and regulatory actions against the Revolution Wind project follow a pattern of opposition to offshore wind developments under the Trump administration, indicating a broader struggle within the renewable energy sector. As both Connecticut and Rhode Island navigate the complexities of this legal battle, details surrounding the future of the Revolution Wind project remain uncertain, but the stakes are high given the project’s anticipated impact on renewable energy supply and grid reliability in the New England region. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic Utility Dive: Connecticut and Rhode Island seek injunction to lift halt on Revolution Wind project Google Search: Revolution Wind project gCaptain: Legal battle intensifies over Revolution Wind project Wikipedia: Offshore wind power Providence Journal: Rhode Island seeks to restart Revolution Wind project Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind energy News From The States: CT and RI seek court order to resume Revolution Wind work Google News: Revolution Wind
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