Why is Equinor’s Empire Wind paused for 90 days?

U.S. officials ordered a temporary pause on five offshore wind projects for 90 days. The freeze is meant to allow federal authorities to review details and provide guidance. During this period, activity stops and schedules are reassessed. Equinor says it is seeking further details and will update the market once it has a clear path to restart.

Will the pause increase costs for the project?

It can. A pause may lead to rescheduling of vessels, suppliers, and grid work, which can add cost. If contracts or milestones need changes, penalties or higher prices are possible. The outcome will depend on how fast authorities provide guidance and how well Equinor can remobilize its supply chain after the offshore wind freeze ends.

How does this affect U.S. power goals or prices?

Short delays are unlikely to change broader U.S. power goals. Longer uncertainty could slow planned offshore capacity additions, which may pressure timelines for clean energy targets. Grid planning and offtake schedules could need small adjustments. Any price effects would depend on the duration of the pause and how quickly projects return to construction.

What should investors watch next for Equinor Empire Wind?

Look for three things: formal federal guidance, a revised and credible schedule, and updates from vendors on vessel and fabrication slots. Clear confirmation of tax incentives, grid timing, and contract adjustments would help de-risk the project. A quick, coordinated restart plan would be a positive signal for Equinor US projects and expected cash flow timing.

Global Market Insights

December 23: Equinor Hit as U.S. Offshore Wind Freeze Halts Empire Wind

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

Equinor Empire Wind is now paused for 90 days after U.S. officials ordered a temporary freeze on five offshore wind farms on December 23. The halt adds regulatory and timing risk to Equinor’s U.S. pipeline, with potential shifts in cash flow and capex in the near term. We break down what the pause could mean for project schedules, funding plans in USD, and investor expectations around delivery and returns in the U.S. market.