-- (Updates with DoD comments in paragraphs 7, 8 and 9)
The US Department of Defense has stalled about 165 onshore wind projects on private lands, with a combined capacity of around 30 gigawatts, due to national security concerns, the Financial Times reported Monday, citing the American Clean Power Association and other sources.
The move demonstrates US President Donald Trump's broadening campaign against renewable energy. Trump has described wind projects as the "worst form of energy" and reportedly said his goal was "to not let any windmill be built."
In March, Axios reported that at least 30 projects, which had completed negotiations, were awaiting signoff from the department.
Developers and consultants cited by the Financial Times said the number of projects facing approval delays has now risen, with another 30 having completed negotiations and received verbal signoffs, about 50 under negotiations, and a further 50 supposed to have been tagged "risk-free" based on previous process that typically takes only a few days to complete.
Sources told the newspaper that project developers have faced setbacks since August 2025, including a lack of response from DoD, cancellations of meetings to discuss project status, and the termination of application processes.
In early April, the department reportedly sent letters to developers saying it was reviewing its processes for determining the impact of energy projects on national security. The agency needs to approve wind projects to ensure they do not interfere with radar systems and do not pose risks to army facilities and flight paths, the newspaper said.
The DoD's Siting Clearinghouse "is actively evaluating land-based wind energy projects to ensure they do not impair national security or military operations," a department official toldin a statement.
Congress had directed the DoD to establish the clearinghouse and to develop a comprehensive review strategy, due to the "changing nature of national security considerations involved," the official said.
He also highlighted that "the department's role in evaluating energy development proposals, particularly wind turbines, is inherently complex and time-consuming because it involves balancing two critical, and sometimes competing, interests: (1) developing energy sources, (2) while ensuring military operations and readiness are not degraded or impaired to the extent an unacceptable risk to national security is created."
has reached out to American Clean Power seeking feedback.
Also citing national security concerns, the Trump administration had issued stop work orders on several offshore wind projects and other renewable energy developments on federal lands, although federal courts reversed some of these actions.
To increase supply of fossil fuels, the US Department of the Interior in March had agreed with TotalEnergies (TTE) to redirect an almost $1 billion investment in US offshore wind to liquefied natural gas by reimbursing the company's expenses on offshore wind leases.
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