offshore wind projects

US President Trump's second term prioritizes oil, leveraging energy dominance for global influence. Campaign funding from oil interests aligns with policies boosting domestic production and easing regulations. Sanctions on rivals and geopolitical events like the Hormuz crisis engineer demand for American exports, impacting nations like India and reshaping global energy markets.

The Trump administration is paying $1 billion to TotalEnergies to abandon U.S. offshore wind leases, redirecting funds to domestic oil and gas projects. This move, criticized by North Carolina's governor, aligns with the administration's pro-fossil fuel agenda, despite the company's continued offshore wind work elsewhere. The deal aims to protect taxpayers from what the Interior Department calls 'ideological subsidies'.

Microsoft abandoned its underwater data center project due to a lack of customer interest, a fate industry experts fear SpaceX may share with its ambitious space-based AI computing network. Challenges with deployment, repair, and the immense cost of rocket launches raise significant economic and technical hurdles for Musk's orbital vision.

The UK government has reportedly blocked a $2 billion wind turbine factory proposal by Chinese firm Mingyang, citing national security and supply chain resilience concerns. This decision, influenced by US pressure, highlights growing global mistrust and the challenges for Chinese investment in Western infrastructure, despite green energy ambitions.

The Department of the Interior has paused leases for five offshore wind projects under construction due to national security risks identified by the Department of Defense. These risks, revealed in classified reports, include potential radar interference from turbines and the "rapid evolution of adversary technologies." The pause aims to assess and mitigate these vulnerabilities, prioritizing American security.

India and the UK have launched a joint task force to accelerate offshore wind energy development. This collaboration aims to leverage the UK's expertise and India's vast potential and demand, focusing on ecosystem planning, infrastructure, and financing to overcome execution challenges and boost clean energy.

India's first offshore wind project off the Gujarat coast is gaining momentum as the Centre approves transmission infrastructure for evacuating 500 MW of power. Powergrid will develop the project, costing Rs 6,900 crore, with completion expected by March 2029. This initiative supports India's and Gujarat's ambitious renewable energy targets, promising a more reliable green energy source.

BP remains committed to its offshore wind growth plans despite incurring a $540 million impairment on two US projects. The company, along with partner Equinor, is evaluating their next steps after New York rejected their request to revise power supply contracts for the projects. BP's CEO expressed interest in exploring New York's 10-point plan to move the projects forward, while emphasizing their commitment to offshore wind in the UK and Germany.

Brown University is facing legal threats from Marzulla Law over research linking offshore wind opposition groups to conservative networks. Representing Green Oceans, the firm demanded a retraction, calling the study false. Brown defended academic freedom, while researchers decried the move as harassment. The dispute highlights growing tensions between universities, clean energy, and political resistance to offshore wind projects.

A 150-year-old maritime mystery has been solved with the discovery of the SS City of Hobart wreck off Australia's Gippsland coast. Divers, after a two-decade search, located the iron steamer that sank in 1877 due to a broken propeller shaft. This find, aided by a wind farm survey, adds another chapter to Australia's rich maritime history.

The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has published the draft tender document for offshore wind energy projects in Tamil Nadu, and has invited comments from prospective bidders before November 18.

Energy giants BP and Equinor have reported significant impairments on their US offshore wind power portfolios, highlighting the challenges facing the renewable energy industry. Danish company Orsted has also warned of impairments due to supply delays, high-interest rates, and a lack of tax credits. These setbacks raise questions about the future of offshore wind projects in the US, which President Joe Biden has championed as part of his climate change agenda. The industry has faced obstacles including inflation, financing costs, and insufficient subsidies, leading developers to renegotiate contracts or withdraw from projects.

Seventeen state attorneys general and Washington, D.C., are suing President Trump over his executive order halting wind energy project development. Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the coalition argues Trump's action jeopardizes jobs, investments, and the transition from fossil fuels.

A National Offshore Wind Energy Authority (NOWA) under the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) will be constituted that will be the nodal agency for offshore wind projects in the country.

The Chemical Industries Association has urged the Government of India to work towards setting up offshore wind power plants in India.