Trump Administration Halts Work on Almost-Finished Wind Farm

Revolution Wind is a landmark offshore wind energy project jointly developed by Ørsted, a global clean energy leader, and Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables. It is the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, located about 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast and 32 miles southeast of Connecticut, with 65 wind turbines planned to generate 704 megawatts (MW) of clean energy[1][2][6]. The project began local onshore construction in 2023 with offshore construction starting in 2024, aiming for full operation by 2026. Once operational, Revolution Wind will supply 400 MW to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut, powering over 350,000 homes across the two states. This represents the first multi-state offshore wind venture in the United States, playing a critical role in helping these states meet ambitious clean energy goals: Rhode Island targets 100% renewable electricity by 2033, and Connecticut aims for 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040[1][2][3]. Revolution Wind is not only an energy project but also a major economic driver. It is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, support new education and training programs (including a GWO safety training center at the Community College of Rhode Island), and expand the blue economy supply chain. The project received all necessary federal and state permits after nearly a decade of review and secured 20-year power purchase agreements approved by regulatory authorities, ensuring stable and affordable clean energy for ratepayers while reducing dependency on natural gas and mitigating energy price spikes in New England[1][2][3][5]. However, in August 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop-work order halting offshore activities due to federal appropriations issues. At that time, the project was about 80% complete offshore, with all foundations installed and 45 o

Ørsted, formerly known as DONG Energy, is a Danish multinational powerhouse that has transformed from a fossil fuel giant into a global leader in renewable energy. Founded in 1972 as Dansk Naturgas (later DONG—Danish Oil and Natural Gas), the company was established by the Danish state to reduce reliance on imported oil by extracting oil and gas from the North Sea. For decades, Ørsted was synonymous with coal, oil, and gas, operating some of Europe’s most carbon-intensive power plants and accounting for a significant share of Denmark’s CO₂ emissions. The company’s pivotal shift began in the late 2000s, spurred by a failed IPO attempt during the global financial crisis and a growing awareness of climate change. In 2009, Ørsted launched its ambitious “85/15” vision, aiming to flip its energy mix from 85% fossil fuels and 15% renewables to the reverse. This marked the start of a bold reinvention: coal plants were shuttered, oil and gas assets were sold, and billions were reinvested into offshore wind, bioenergy, onshore wind, and solar power. By 2017, Ørsted completed its transformation, selling its oil and gas business and rebranding to honor Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, whose discovery of electromagnetism laid the foundation for modern electricity. Today, Ørsted is the world’s leading offshore wind developer, operating projects across Europe, North America, and Asia. The company is widely recognized for its technological innovation, sustainability leadership, and impressive shareholder returns, earning accolades such as the Masters of Reinvention Award. Ørsted’s journey from black to green energy stands as a landmark case in corporate reinvention, demonstrating how visionary leadership, strategic pivoting, and technological investment can drive a successful transition in the energy sector.

The **U.S. Power Company** generally refers to entities involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power across the United States. While there is no single company universally known as "U.S. Power Company," the term can encompass various investor-owned utilities, public power providers, cooperatives, and independent system operators that collectively form the U.S. electric power industry. The U.S. electric power industry has a rich history that began in the late 19th century, catalyzed by Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric light bulb and the establishment of the first modern power station, Pearl Street Station, in 1882. Early electricity provision was fragmented and largely unregulated, leading to intense competition and concerns about monopolistic practices[2][3][5]. By the early 20th century, states began regulating utilities to protect consumers, and the federal government intervened with legislation such as the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to control holding companies that dominated the sector[1][2]. Key achievements in the evolution of the U.S. power sector include the transition from vertically integrated utilities to a more complex system involving independent system operators (ISOs) and regional transmission organizations (RTOs), which promote grid reliability and market competition[2]. The Rural Electrification Administration (REA), established in 1935, was instrumental in extending electricity to rural America through cooperatives, profoundly transforming rural economies and lifestyles[4]. Today, the U.S. power industry is marked by a strong regulatory framework, increasing integration of renewable energy sources, and efforts to enhance grid resilience and sustainability. Notably, in recent years, renewable energy generation surpassed fossil fuels for the first time, signaling a significant shift toward cleaner energy[6]. Organizations within this sector continuously innovate to meet demands for reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility. In summary, the "U.S. Power Company" concept reflects a dynamic, historically significant industry that has evolved from Edison’s pioneering work to a modern,