Orsted files lawsuit against US suspension of wind turbine leases

Danish energy firm Orsted announced Friday that its US joint venture has filed a lawsuit challenging the US Interior Department’s suspension of the lease for its nearly-completed Revolution Wind project off the coast of New England. The suspension, announced on December 22nd, paused leases for all five of the country’s offshore wind projects under construction, citing unspecified national security risks. Orsted, holding a 50% stake in the project, stated the suspension violates applicable law and causes substantial harm, as the park is 87% complete and intended to power over 350,000 homes.

This isn’t the first time the project has faced suspension; a previous halt by the Trump administration was overturned in court. The Interior Department’s recent move followed a judge’s ruling against a blanket ban on new offshore permits signed by Trump in 2017. While the department cited potential radar interference as a concern, Orsted maintains that the project secured all necessary permits after years of reviews and consultations with the US military, including a formal agreement outlining mitigation measures.

Orsted emphasized its continued willingness to work with the administration, but asserts that litigation is necessary to protect the project’s rights. President Trump has consistently voiced opposition to wind turbines, criticizing their aesthetic impact and cost, and his administration previously attempted to block federal loans for wind energy projects.

(Source：Griffindailynews)