US Offshore Wind Sector Grows Amid Trump Battles

TL/DR –

The U.S. offshore wind energy sector is facing economic challenges and opposition from the Trump administration. The Oceantic Network International Partnering Forum saw a decrease in attendance from 4,000 to 900 people due to concerns over federal funding, permit curbs and unclear investor support. Despite this, five major East Coast offshore wind projects have been permitted to proceed following five federal court decisions that halted President Trump’s stop-work orders, and the first utility-scale offshore wind facility in U.S. waters, South Fork Wind, has shown impressive productivity.

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US Offshore Wind Energy Conference Underlines Challenges and Triumphs

The prestigious American offshore wind energy development conference returned to New York City in 2026, with attendees facing the tough economic realities of launching a brand-new domestic industry. The sector is also bearing the brunt of the Trump administration’s vendetta against it.

The Oceantic Network International Partnering Forum had a comparatively muted attendance of around 900, a significant drop from the previous high of almost 4,000. The uncertain future federal funding and permit restrictions, coupled with a somewhat foggy prospect for investor backing, led to candid discussions about the path forward.

Legal Victories and Positive Results

The conference followed five federal court rulings which granted restraining orders against President Trump’s stop-work orders for five major East Coast offshore wind projects. These projects, representing a combined 6 GW and an estimated investment of $28 billion, were given the green light to continue.

Conference leaders and participants celebrated these court victories and highlighted the positive outcomes from pilot offshore wind projects. Among these was the South Fork Wind facility, the first utility-scale offshore wind plant in U.S. waters. According to Mikkel Maehlisen, head of U.S. offshore generation for developer-operator Orsted, the facility produced power for 90% of the hours and 362 days of 2025, ending the year with a capacity factor of 46.3%.

Continued Commitment Despite Challenges

Despite setbacks, such as the absence of federal participation and early signs of project retrenchment, state officials, industry executives, and other sector participants pledged their commitment to advancing offshore wind. Oceantic Network CEO, Liz Burdock emphasized the importance of industry action and warned that halting projects already operating or under construction “has real consequences.”

Despite dwindling federal support, private investors have not abandoned the sector. Benjamin Bielawski, a portfolio manager and senior research analyst at Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co., highlighted that clean energy still plays a major role in directly powering data centers and that the demand is there.

Threats to Offshore Wind Projects

The anti-wind measures from the Trump administration are anticipated to continue. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated in a Feb. 11 interview with Bloomberg that the agency “absolutely” plans to appeal the restraining orders. He cited potential attacks by “autonomous submarines” as one of the risks to offshore wind turbines.

The expiration of tax credits under last year’s OBBB budget law could potentially delay or shelve up to 75% of U.S. offshore and onshore wind projects after 2027. A new report by Enverus Intelligence Research estimates that the levelized cost of energy for new projects in certain regions could nearly double without tax credit benefits.

New York Leading in Offshore Wind Power

New York is currently leading the U.S. in offshore wind power commitment with three contracted projects. However, the NY State Energy Research Administration announced the cancellation of its latest wind solicitation, which was already delayed from last year due to escalating attacks from the Trump administration.

The state has initiated a $300-million competitive funding effort to help ports maintain flexibility for future offshore wind and implemented regulations to reduce the schedule and cost of grid modernization projects.

Canada Fills the Gap

Meanwhile, Canada is looking to fill the gap in U.S. offshore wind power supply. The province of Nova Scotia has signed a supply agreement with Massachusetts for power from its developing Wind West project. The estimated $60-billion project is set to produce 5 GW of power by 2033 in its first phase.

Prime Minister Tim Houston of Nova Scotia reiterated Canada’s commitment to responsibly and strategically using the province’s wind resources. He noted that Wind West could potentially meet 25% of the nation’s energy needs.