Equinor ASA: Empire Wind Project Resumes Construction Amid Political Collaborations
Deal News | May 19, 2025 | Equinor ASA

Equinor ASA, the Norwegian oil and energy major, has resumed construction on its Empire Wind project off the coast of New York after a previously imposed stop work order was lifted. The halt, initiated on April 16, 2025, was due to regulatory discussions, but has now been resolved thanks to political collaborations and support from key figures, including President Trump and New York Governor Hochul. Equinor's CEO Anders Opedal expressed gratitude toward both U.S. and Norwegian officials for facilitating the project's progress. The Empire Wind project, expected to supply power to over 500,000 homes in New York, has seen over 30% completion and is set to meet commercial operation by 2027. This project represents a strategic component of Equinor's investment in the U.S. energy sector, aligning with their expansive $60 billion commitment to U.S. energy projects across oil, gas, and renewables.
Sectors
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Infrastructure
- Government and Public Sector
Geography
- United States – The Empire Wind project is located off the coast of New York and plays a critical role in U.S. energy infrastructure.
- Norway – Equinor ASA, a Norwegian company, leads the project, reinforcing international collaboration in energy projects.
Industry
- Renewable Energy – The article discusses the Empire Wind project, an offshore wind farm aimed at providing renewable energy to New York homes.
- Energy Infrastructure – The project represents a significant investment in energy infrastructure development in the United States.
- Government and Public Sector – The involvement of political figures like President Trump and Governor Hochul highlights the role of government in regulatory aspects.
Financials
- USD 60 billion – Equinor's total investment in U.S. energy projects, encompassing oil, gas, and renewables.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Equinor ASA | Target Company | Company | A Norwegian energy company overseeing the Empire Wind project. |
Empire Wind | Project | Project | An offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, part of Equinor's renewable energy projects. |
Anders Opedal | CEO | Person | President and CEO of Equinor ASA. |
Molly Morris | President of Equinor Wind US | Person | Provides insights on the project's impact on U.S. energy ambitions. |
Donald Trump | Former U.S. President | Government | Aided in political negotiations to lift the stop work order. |
Kathy Hochul | Governor of New York | Government | Assisted in advancing the project through state collaboration. |
Jonas Gahr Støre | Prime Minister of Norway | Government | Supported Equinor at a critical time. |
Jens Stoltenberg | Minister of Finance, Norway | Government | Involved in raising the project's situation with the U.S. administration. |