Ørsted has announced that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has issued a temporary stop work order for offshore construction activities at the Revolution Wind project, a 704 MW offshore wind farm being developed off the coast of Rhode Island. The order, which took effect immediately, cites the need for “additional review of environmental impacts on commercial fishing operations” in the project area. Onshore construction activities are permitted to continue. Ørsted and its partner Eversource expressed disappointment with the decision, noting that the project had already undergone extensive environmental review and stakeholder consultation over a five-year period before receiving its federal approval in January 2025. The companies stated they are working closely with BOEM to address the concerns raised and hope to resume offshore activities “as soon as possible” to minimize impacts to the project schedule. Revolution Wind is slated to provide 400 MW of clean energy to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut under existing power purchase agreements. This marks the third major U.S. offshore wind project to face regulatory setbacks in recent weeks, following similar orders affecting projects in New York and Maryland. More information can be found here.
