A changing global landscape tends to bring challenges. That’s when you need to keep a cool head and work as a team, Cathrine Sværen Widlund has experienced. Fortunately, there are tailwinds among the headwinds.
"It was an extremely discouraging message, I could hardly believe it”.
Cathrine Sværen Widlund is head of procurement – of equipment and services – in the Empire Wind project. With 20 years of experience at Equinor, the mother of three from Bergen has been with the company through both oil and gas projects. In recent years, she has brought her experience to renewable energy projects. When Empire Wind was suddenly paused during Easter, she experienced a moment of uncertainty.
"I was very unhappy, and I think I can say that on behalf of quite a few people," says Cathrine.
Empire Wind is a large offshore wind farm under development off the coast of New York. Equinor is the operator of development and operations, working closely with US authorities, as well as a wide range of partners and suppliers.
The project, which will supply 500,000 American homes with renewable energy, has encountered both political and industrial challenges.
On Thursday during the week of Easter the project faced its biggest challenge ever when US authorities ordered a complete halt to offshore construction work.
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A tight-knit team
The immediate shock quickly turned into proactive response, and supported by a strong team, Cathrine and her colleagues started drawing up different scenarios a way forward. The Empire Wind project is an important part of Equinor's offshore wind commitment. The project, with total capital expenditures estimated at five billion dollars after tax credits, includes the installation of 54 bottom-fixed wind turbines 25 kilometres off Long Island, and a power cable landfall in Brooklyn, from where the power will be transmitted to downtown New York. When the US administration suddenly issued a stop-work order for the project, Cathrine's Equinor colleagues demonstrated the ability to navigate through challenging waters.
"We had to think fast and work strategically," explains Cathrine.
Even in challenging periods, Cathrine finds time to take a breath and move to think clearly. Photo: Andreas Kleiberg
You don’t just stop a project like this overnight. Shiploads of steel were already on their way, equipment was under construction in Singapore and Europe, and a lot of jobs were at stake. At one point, eleven vessels were on "standby" waiting to continue work. The team had to quickly identify the consequences and make parallel plans for both a full stop, and a possible resumption of work.
I'm left with a feeling of being 'one' company, with a very short way to the top when things get tough. I felt there was a great determination and desire to succeed, both as a team, and as a company," says Cathrine.
The efforts paid off. After five nerve-racking weeks of great uncertainty, a massive mobilization and good cooperation with the authorities and other supporters, the stop order was lifted, and the development could continue. For Cathrine, it was an incredible relief.
"I guess I've never received more hugs from colleagues in one day," she says smiling.
The fact that the Empire Wind project is now back in progress is a clear sign that Equinor's ambitions for renewable energy remain strong. In fact, Equinor is experiencing its busiest ever construction year in renewable energy, with major projects in Poland, the UK and the US.
The construction of Empire Wind and South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, 2025. Photo: Equinor
Stability and predictability
The challenges facing Empire Wind have demonstrated that the energy transition is not uncomplicated. Due to the international situation with rising inflation, rising interest rates and changing policies Equinor has had to adjust the pace of the transition. And through the challenges Equinor has gained experience from complex collaboration and strategic planning.
Sceptics have questioned the profitability of renewables projects compared to oil and gas. Cathrine emphasizes that even though renewables may have a lower return in the short term, long-term agreements with fixed prices provide greater stability and predictability.
"Overall, the profitability of our renewables projects is solid, but this is also about the responsibility we have to deliver projects in the future," she says.
Example of an ability to deliver
Geopolitical conditions make projects like Empire Wind more complicated, but Cathrine believes that precisely this kind of complexity makes Equinor's expertise extra valuable.
"We are used to navigating in a challenging international landscape, and we have to adjust our direction along the way. But no matter what challenges you face, never lose sight of the goal," she emphasizes.
Empire Wind is more than a project – it is an example of Equinor's ability to deliver challenging renewable energy projects. With Dogger Bank in the UK and Baltyk 2 and 3 in Poland, Equinor's three large offshore wind projects will soon deliver renewable power equivalent to the electricity needed to power over eight million homes.
"We are in the middle of the busiest project period ever. The Empire Wind project shows that when we encounter challenges, we pull together and find solutions. That's what makes me optimistic about the future," Cathrine concludes.
"People are what motivates me the most, and lots of competent people with different backgrounds and different knowledge, who work together towards a common goal, makes me look forward to going to work every day". Photo: Andreas Kleiberg
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