The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has ordered a 90-day suspension of offshore activities for Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind, two major U.S. offshore wind projects developed by Orsted. The suspension applies to all ongoing activities on the outer continental shelf and may be extended at BOEM’s discretion.
The order was issued on 22 December 2025. Revolution Wind is a 50-50 joint venture between Orsted and Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables, while Sunrise Wind is a fully owned subsidiary of Orsted.
Compliance and safety measures underway
Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are complying with the BOEM orders and have begun taking steps to suspend related activities. The companies said the suspension is being managed carefully to avoid any impacts on health, safety, or the environment during the pause in offshore construction work.
Orsted is evaluating all available options to resolve the matter as quickly as possible in coordination with its partners. This includes engagement with BOEM and other relevant permitting agencies, as well as the assessment of potential legal proceedings if required.
Projects nearing power generation in 2026
Both Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are in advanced stages of construction and remain on track, subject to the suspension, to deliver reliable and affordable offshore wind power to U.S. homes in 2026. Revolution Wind is expected to begin generating electricity as early as January 2026 once work resumes.
The projects are considered strategically important to regional power supply, particularly as states along the U.S. East Coast continue to face rising electricity demand and clean energy targets.
Fully permitted after years of review
Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are fully permitted projects, having secured all required federal and state approvals following comprehensive, multi-year regulatory reviews. As part of the permitting process, both projects consulted closely with the U.S. Department of Defense Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse.
These consultations were conducted to evaluate and address any potential impacts on national security and defense capabilities arising from the construction and operation of the offshore wind farms.
Power purchase agreements across three states
Revolution Wind has secured 20-year power purchase agreements to deliver 400 megawatts of electricity to Rhode Island and 304 megawatts to Connecticut. Sunrise Wind has a 25-year power purchase agreement to deliver 924 megawatts to New York State.
Together, the two offshore wind projects are expected to supply enough electricity to power approximately 1 million homes across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, supporting regional grid reliability and clean energy goals.
Investment in US energy and jobs
Orsted continues to invest heavily in American energy generation, grid upgrades, port infrastructure, and the domestic offshore wind supply chain. These investments extend across more than 40 states and include support for U.S. shipbuilding and manufacturing.
Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind employ hundreds of local union workers involved in construction activities. To date, Orsted’s offshore wind projects in the United States have accounted for approximately 4 million labor union hours, underscoring the company’s role in supporting skilled jobs and economic development alongside clean energy deployment.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH