Danish energy company Ørsted has filed a legal challenge against the US government’s decision to suspend work on its Revolution Wind offshore project, escalating a dispute over federal restrictions on large-scale wind developments introduced by the Trump administration.
In a statement released on Friday, Ørsted said it had initiated litigation alongside its joint-venture partner Skyborn Renewables, describing the move as “a necessary step to protect the rights of the project.” Revolution Wind, located off the coast of Rhode Island, is more than 85% complete, with 58 of the planned 65 turbines already installed.
The legal action follows a December decision by the administration of Donald Trump to suspend leases on all major US offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns. The pause halted construction across five sites, including Ørsted’s Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind developments, as well as projects owned by Equinor and Dominion Energy.
Permits secured after years of review
Ørsted said Revolution Wind had obtained all required federal and state permits in 2023 after a regulatory review process that spanned more than nine years. The approvals included consultations with the US Department of Defense and resulted in a formal agreement addressing potential security considerations.
Despite this, the administration has argued that offshore wind turbines could interfere with radar systems used to track moving targets. The US Interior Department said the suspension would allow time to assess whether national security risks could be mitigated in coordination with leaseholders and state authorities.
Wider implications for US offshore wind
While the current lawsuit focuses on Revolution Wind, Ørsted said it continues to evaluate options for restarting work on Sunrise Wind, another project located off the New York coast. The company said it remains engaged with relevant agencies and stakeholders and is considering further legal proceedings.
The suspension forms part of a broader policy shift under the Trump administration, which has repeatedly criticised renewable energy and moved to freeze approvals for wind and solar projects in favour of fossil fuel development. Supporters of the approach argue it strengthens national security and reduces costs, while critics warn it risks higher long-term energy prices and slower innovation.
In August, the White House ordered Ørsted to halt construction on Revolution Wind, though a federal judge later allowed work to resume through a preliminary injunction. The latest legal action marks a separate challenge tied to the broader lease suspension announced in December.
Ørsted shares rose around 4% in Copenhagen trading on Friday afternoon following news of the lawsuit.
