Orsted and US states sue Trump administration over blocked $6B wind project
Danish offshore wind developer Orsted and the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to halt construction of the Revolution Wind project.
The complaints argue that the stop-work order issued last month is illegal and without evidence.
The US Interior Department ordered construction to stop on the project, citing unspecified national security concerns.
The move froze work on a project that was already 80% complete, with offshore foundations installed and 45 of 65 turbines in place.
“The stop-work order was issued without statutory authority, lacks any evidentiary basis, and is unlawful,” Revolution Wind said in its filing with the U.S. District Court in Washington, DC.
The suits name Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other federal officials as defendants.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong echoed the claim, calling the decision “erratic and reckless governing” and vowing to pursue the case in federal court.
Rhode Island is expected to join the effort with a parallel suit.
Revolution Wind project at risk of costly delays
Revolution Wind is a 50-50 joint venture between Orsted and Skyborn Renewables, representing one of the most advanced offshore wind projects in the US.
So far, about $5 billion has been invested, and the developers estimate that an additional $1 billion in costs could be incurred if the halt is not lifted.
Specialized vessels required for offshore construction are in limited supply, and Orsted warned that losing access to them could delay the project by at least a year.
In the worst case, the stoppage could lead to outright cancellation.
The project, due to be completed next year, was expected to provide enough electricity to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Trump’s escalating fight with renewables
President Donald Trump has long been an outspoken critic of wind power, calling it unreliable, unsightly, and costly.
His administration has taken a series of steps to slow down renewable energy projects, starting with an order in 2025 that barred new offshore wind leases.
In recent weeks, Trump has stepped up his opposition.
Just days before the halt on Revolution Wind, he announced that his administration would not approve any new solar or wind projects.
Soon after, the White House canceled $679 million in funding earmarked for a dozen offshore wind infrastructure projects.
Industry groups say the actions have shaken investor confidence at a time when developers are already grappling with higher costs and tighter financing conditions.
Blow to Orsted’s financial recovery
The setback comes at a difficult moment for Orsted, whose stock has lost nearly half its value in the past year.
The company recently unveiled a rights issue worth 60 billion Danish crowns ($9.4 billion) to stabilize its balance sheet.
Major shareholder the Danish government, alongside energy firm Equinor, has pledged support for the offering.
Orsted said the Revolution Wind project had already passed years of regulatory review and received sign-offs from the Defense Department and other agencies.
The company argues that the Trump administration’s decision is rooted in politics rather than law, and that the courts must intervene.
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