Equinor Files Lawsuit to Reverse Lease Suspension on Empire Wind 1 Offshore Project

Norwegian energy group Equinor has opened a court case challenging the Trump Administration’s order to suspend the lease for its Empire Wind 1 wind project off the New York coast.

Equinor’s lawsuit comes after a supplemental court filing by Ørsted A/S and Skyborn Renewables, who are also challenging the US government’s December 2025 stop-work order. Their project was among five developments whose leases were suspended over alleged national security concerns. Equinor maintains that the decision is unlawful and warns that it carries serious consequences for its project, which has already progressed beyond 60% completion. Equinor has invested over USD 4 billion, of which USD 2.7 billion has been drawn under the project financing. 

Empire Wind is being developed under a contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is intended to serve as a vital near-term electricity supply for New York State, strengthening grid reliability amid rapidly rising demand. Upon completion, the project is expected to generate sufficient power to support the electrification of around 500,000 homes. The 816-MW Empire Wind 1 previously experienced a temporary suspension while undergoing a review of its approval granted during the Biden administration. The project remains on track for completion in 2027 and is projected to deliver renewable electricity to approximately 500,000 New York households.