Ørsted and Iberdrola fight to save US offshore wind
Developers face Trump administration opposition as billions in US offshore wind projects and future licences hang in the balance.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA: Ørsted and Iberdrola are working to protect their multibillion-dollar offshore wind investments in the United States, amid growing opposition from the Trump administration.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that the administration is in “active dialogue” with Ørsted over the future of the 704 MW Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island and Connecticut. The project, which Ørsted says is already 80 % installed, was hit by a stop-work order last month. Ørsted has challenged the suspension in court while seeking a negotiated resolution.
Spanish utility Iberdrola, through its US subsidiary Avangrid, is also facing challenges. The administration is reportedly reviewing approvals for its New England 1 and 2 projects, totalling nearly 1,900 MW, granted under the Biden administration. Vineyard Wind 1, another Avangrid development, has already installed 23 of 62 turbines and is delivering power, but lawmakers warn it may face similar risks.
Avangrid also holds licences for the Kitty Hawk project in North Carolina and a potential 3 GW Gulf of Maine wind farm, making US offshore wind central to Iberdrola’s growth plans. Analysts note that a third of the company’s 2024–2026 strategy, worth over $14.7 B, is committed to the US, with potential expansion to $21 B.
While developers stress their economic contribution, Wright questioned offshore wind’s long-term viability, citing high costs and limited job potential.
Source: The Maritime Executive
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