The South Fork Offshore Wind project, developed by Equinor, will restart construction following a federal court decision that overturned a Trump-era suspension. The project, located off Long Island, remains on track for commercial operation in 2026.
- South Fork Offshore Wind project: 130 MW capacity, 12 turbines, each 11 MW
- Project expected to power ~70,000 homes annually
- Legal halt lifted by federal court in January 2026
- Construction resumes after delay caused by Trump-era regulatory freeze
- Supports New York’s 2030 renewable energy goal (70%)
- Projected $2 billion economic impact across Long Island region
The South Fork Offshore Wind project, a 130-megawatt (MW) facility being developed by Equinor, is poised to resume construction after a U.S. district judge invalidated a regulatory freeze imposed during the Trump administration. The suspension had halted critical permitting and site work since late 2024, delaying the timeline for what was originally scheduled to begin operations in 2025. Equinor, the Norwegian energy company leading the project, confirmed it will now prioritize safely resuming activities, including turbine foundation installation and cable laying. The project includes 12 Siemens Gamesa offshore wind turbines, each with a capacity of 11 MW, collectively generating enough electricity to power approximately 70,000 homes annually. The court’s ruling clears a major hurdle for New York’s clean energy goals, which aim for 70% renewable power by 2030. With this decision, the state can maintain momentum toward its offshore wind targets, supporting over 1,500 construction jobs and contributing $2 billion in economic activity across Long Island and surrounding regions. Market analysts note that the resumption boosts investor confidence in U.S. offshore wind infrastructure. Utilities such as PSEG and National Grid, which have signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the project’s output, are now reassured about delivery timelines. The project has also triggered downstream supply chain growth, particularly in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where components are manufactured.