WASHINGTON DC – The Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management sent a shock wave through the offshore wind industry on Friday when it issued a stop work order to the Danish energy giant Ørsted on its installation of Revolution Wind 15 miles off the coast of Rhode Island.
The order by BOEM Acting Director Matthew Giacona cites unspecified concerns of national security and the prevention and interference of reasonable uses for the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“You may not resume activities until BOEM informs you that BOEM has completed its necessary review. If you fail to comply with the terms of this order, BOEM may take additional corrective action as appropriate,” warned Giacona.
The stop order comes at a pivotal moment for the project, which Ørsted says is about 80% complete with 45 of 65 planned turbines installed.
In a statement, the company said it would address the issues with the expectation of completing the…
