Near Completion... Trump Administration Orders Halt to $4 Billion Offshore Wind Project

'Revolution Wind' Project in Rhode Island
Operator Says "Considering Legal Action and All Possible Responses"

The U.S. federal government has ordered a halt to the construction of a large-scale offshore wind power project underway in Rhode Island. This action comes as President Donald Trump continues his daily attacks on the renewable energy industry.

According to the New York Times on the 22nd (local time), Matthew Giaconi, Acting Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), sent a letter to Orsted, the operator of the 'Revolution Wind' project in Rhode Island, ordering the suspension of all construction activities. The specific reasons for the suspension order were not included in the letter.

Donald Trump, President of the United States, is giving a speech during a tour of the White House immersive exhibition "The People's House" held on the 22nd (local time) opposite the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C. Photo by AFP

'Revolution Wind' is an offshore wind project that involves installing 65 turbines off the coast of Rhode Island. The project is valued at a total of $4 billion (approximately 5.5 trillion won), and about 70% of the turbines have already been installed.

This project, led by Denmark's Orsted, the world's largest offshore wind power company, had secured all necessary permits under the previous Joe Biden administration and was scheduled for completion in the first half of next year. Once completed, it is expected to supply electricity to more than 350,000 households in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Orsted stated that it is considering all possible responses, including legal action. William Tong, Attorney General of Connecticut, also said that the state government is reviewing all legal options to protect Connecticut's interests.

Previously, President Trump has consistently denied climate change and attacked the renewable energy industry. On the 20th, he posted on the social media platform Truth Social, calling wind and solar power "the scam of the century" and criticizing them. He also declared, "The age of foolishness in America is over. We will not approve wind and solar."

Since taking office in January this year, he has eliminated various tax credits, subsidies, and loan programs for renewable energy projects, making it difficult for wind and solar projects to obtain approval. As a result, numerous projects have been suspended or canceled one after another.

In April, the U.S. government also ordered the suspension of construction on the $5 billion 'Empire Wind' project off the coast of Long Island. After a month of negotiations between Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and the federal government, construction was barely able to resume.