One of the most “profitable” options for the energy future is offshore wind power. It is clean, powerful, constant, almost perfect, which is why the blow has hurt even more. The United States has abruptly stopped five offshore wind megaprojects that were already underway, and not for technical or economic reasons, but for something much more delicate: national security.
It was the Pentagon that raised its hand. And when the Pentagon speaks, everything stops, we already know that. And of course, the renewable sector has not taken it well. Millions lost in investments, projects that were already very advanced, hundreds of jobs at stake. Everything on hold and without knowing very well what weighs more in this country right now, climate or defense.
A stop
It was the Department of the Interior that halted these projects, and it happened right after receiving classified reports from the Department of Defense. These reports indicated that offshore wind farms could interfere with radar systems, some surveillance systems, and military operations in key coastal areas, and of course, that is a national security problem.
The issue is that many of these projects had already started and had infrastructure installed, one of them was even almost finished. That is why the sector is very angry. Officially, the word being used is “temporary”, but within the sector they know that those words are an excuse, like when you ask your partner for “some time” because you do not know how to break up.
The Pentagon sets the pace
From Defense they insist that this is not an attack on renewables and ask that it not be misinterpreted, saying that it is only a matter of compatibility. They want to make sure that the turbines do not interfere with naval exercises, strategic communications, or sensitive systems, and even less now, when everything seems very tense.
In politics nothing is accidental
Of course, this “move” seems very well orchestrated by the federal government. Trump has always been quite critical of the energy debate, because he believes offshore wind is more of a problem than a solution. Although some orders were blocked by the courts at the time, now the route is different. It is not a direct political order, it is a military warning.
Why offshore wind was so important
Wind offshore blows stronger, more consistently, and allows much more stable electricity production than on land, in addition to reducing visual conflicts and land use issues.
The United States had strongly accelerated this technology to meet climate goals and reduce its dependence on gas and oil, but now this sudden stop brings uncertainty to the sector.
Beyond energy
Looking more closely at what this pause entails, we see that thousands of jobs, trust in these projects, and multibillion dollar investments could be lost if it continues. Some of the projects were already quite advanced, and stopping them overnight has sent a very uncomfortable message to investors.
And of course, from a climate point of view it is a disaster, because it means we will depend on polluting sources for much longer.
Pause or change of direction?
The government insists that solutions will be sought to adjust these projects and make them compatible with everything mentioned above, but many experts fear that “national security” will become the perfect wild card to stop anything the government does not like. And it seems this is not the first time it has been used.
Can the energy transition move forward without clashing with countries’ strategic interests?