SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Trump administration moves to revoke Avangrid permits for offshore wind off Massachusetts

The Trump administration plans to revoke federal approval of the New England Wind project, jeopardising offshore wind contracts representing 2,600 MW of capacity off the northeastern US coast.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

The Trump administration has initiated proceedings to revoke construction authorisations for the New England Wind 1 and 2 offshore wind projects developed by Avangrid off the coast of Massachusetts. According to a court filing dated September 3, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) intends to withdraw its approval of the construction and operations plan by October 10.

Two major projects under threat off New England

The projects, located approximately 20 nautical miles south of Martha’s Vineyard, received BOEM approval in July 2024. Massachusetts selected 791 MW of capacity from New England Wind 1 in a September 2024 offshore wind solicitation. Combined, the two sites could generate up to 2,600 MW of electricity, according to the federal authority.

The legal action stems from a lawsuit brought by a coalition challenging the permits’ compliance with environmental laws. This marks the second recent move by the Trump administration against the sector, following an injunction halting work on the 704 MW Revolution Wind Offshore project near Rhode Island.

Regulatory uncertainty and local government opposition

The potential withdrawal of federal approvals has drawn strong criticism from several Democratic governors in the region. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey stated on September 3 that the projects would supply power to over one million homes and businesses while creating thousands of jobs. She called the reopening of the permitting process unnecessary.

Delays in finalising offshore wind contracts have hampered energy planning in the affected states. Avangrid had stated at the time of its permit approval that construction on New England Wind 1 could begin in 2025, with operations starting in 2029.

A federal climate unfavourable to offshore wind

Since taking office, Donald Trump has signed an executive order suspending new offshore wind leases in federal waters and paused permitting processes. The possible cancellation of federal approval for the SouthCoast Wind Energy Offshore Project, also off the Massachusetts coast, adds to the uncertainty facing the industry.

Representatives from Avangrid declined to comment. The company is a subsidiary of Spanish energy group Iberdrola.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
India and Japan activate a hydrogen–ammonia corridor with 2030–2040 targets
Exxon expects 20% increase in global natural gas demand by 2050
CNOOC starts Wenchang 16-2 oilfield project to strengthen investments
SPIE secures strategic contract for TPC II offshore wind farm in Taiwan
UAE energy undersecretary visits Tellus Power in Hong Kong
Envision Energy enters Turkish market with 232 MW wind project
Envision Energy launches its first project in Turkey in partnership with Yildizlar Group, adding 232 MW to the national wind capacity in Karaman province.
ABO Energy cuts costs and accelerates wind project sales
ABO Energy maintains its annual targets despite a drop in half-year profit, relying on cost-cutting measures and early project sales to secure cash flow.
Energiekontor secures financing for two wind farms totalling 94 MW in Lower Saxony
Energiekontor has closed financing for two wind projects in Verden, with a combined 94 MW, with construction starting this year and commissioning scheduled for 2027.
Seoul excludes foreign turbines in 689 MW offshore wind auction
South Korea has rejected all projects using foreign turbines in its 2025 offshore wind auction, marking a strategic shift in favour of local industry and energy security.
Denmark rejects again 37 offshore wind applications without tender
The Danish Energy Agency confirmed the rejection of 37 feasibility study permit applications, citing European Union state aid rules and lack of competition.
ACEN Australia’s 900 MW wind project secures federal approval
With an AUD$3 billion investment, ACEN launches one of Tasmania’s largest private projects, aiming for commissioning in 2030 and annual supply for 500,000 households.
In France, four citizen-funded wind turbines inject 12.9 MW into the Breton grid
In France, a 12.9 MW wind farm financed by local actors has been commissioned in Martigné-Ferchaud, showcasing an unprecedented model of shared governance between citizens, local authorities and public investment companies.
Five US coastal states challenge Trump over offshore wind projects
The governors of five states urged the Trump administration to maintain permits for threatened offshore wind projects, citing massive investments and jobs at stake in a nascent industry.
Green Wind Renewables launches 450 MW wind project in Western Australia
Green Wind Renewables is developing a 450 MW wind farm in the Wheatbelt region of Australia, with up to 75 turbines and an estimated annual output of 1.5 TWh.
RWE activates 83 megawatts of wind and solar capacity in France
German group RWE has commissioned five new power plants in France, adding 83 MW to its portfolio, following repeated successes in tenders organised by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Monsoon Wind launches 600 MW and begins electricity exports to Vietnam
The 600 MW onshore wind farm in Laos achieves commercial operation four months early, injecting power into Vietnam via a 500 kV interconnection and consolidating an international financing package of $950mn.
Equinor injects up to $939mn to support Ørsted’s capital increase
Equinor confirms its participation in Ørsted’s capital increase, aiming to maintain its 10% stake and support the financial stability of the Danish group facing headwinds in offshore wind.
Dongfang Electric installs 26 MW offshore wind turbine, a world record
Chinese manufacturer Dongfang Electric has installed a 26 MW offshore wind turbine in Shandong province, setting a double world record for power and rotor diameter.
Mitsubishi withdraws from three offshore wind projects due to regulatory and economic constraints
Facing unforeseen cost increases and a tightening regulatory environment, Mitsubishi Corporation is pulling out of three offshore wind projects, casting doubt on Japan's renewable energy ambitions.
Polenergia commits 323 millions USD to offshore and storage projects
With 323 millions USD in cash, Polenergia strengthens its investments in offshore wind, solar and storage, targeting more than 2.3 GW of new energy capacity in Poland.
Valorem inaugurates 313 MW wind farm in Finland with 1 TWh annual output
French group Valorem has commissioned the ViIatti wind complex in Finland, made up of two farms totalling 313 MW and an estimated annual output of 1 TWh.
Trump Suspends $9.4 Billion Offshore Wind Project in the United States
The Revolution Wind project, already 80% complete, has been halted by the U.S. administration over national security concerns, creating major uncertainty in the sector.
Quebec allocates $1.5M to meet the demand for wind turbine technicians
Quebec funds a mobile training unit to address the shortage of wind turbine maintenance technicians, estimated at 400 positions by 2029.
Washington launches national security probe into imported wind turbines
The United States Department of Commerce is assessing the strategic impact of wind turbine imports amid rising tariffs and supply chain tensions.
RWE adds 34.2 MW of wind power on a former mining site in Aldenhoven
Six turbines installed by RWE on recultivated land near the Inden mine will supply electricity to around 24,000 households, while two new units are already planned.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: $99 for the 1styear year, then $ 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99