popular articles

Chris Wright: Trump’s Pick for Energy Balances Renewables and Fossil Fuels

During his Senate hearing, Chris Wright, Donald Trump’s Energy nominee, surprised many by acknowledging climate change while advocating for an energy growth strategy blending renewables and fossil fuels.

Please share:

Chris Wright, founder of Liberty Energy and a staunch supporter of fossil fuels, captured attention during his hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Well-known for his advocacy of the shale oil and gas industry, Wright struck a moderate tone by affirming that climate change is “a fact” requiring an adapted energy response.

In this critical session as part of his confirmation process as Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright emphasized the importance of investing in diversified energy solutions. He specifically mentioned solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy as essential tools to address the climate challenge.

Contrasting Statements

Chris Wright’s remarks mark a significant departure from his previous statements. In 2024, in a LinkedIn video, he denied the existence of a climate crisis and downplayed the relevance of the energy transition. These positions drew sharp criticism, particularly from renewable energy advocates.

However, on Wednesday, Trump’s nominee stressed the need for the United States to take a leading role in global energy development. “Energy and climate are global challenges,” he asserted, while advocating for a balance between technological innovation and the exploitation of hydrocarbons.

Unwavering Support for Fossil Fuels

Despite his commitment to renewable energy, Chris Wright did not waver in his support for fossil fuels. He reiterated his backing for the construction of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, directly opposing the moratorium imposed by President Joe Biden in January 2024.

According to Wright, fossil fuels remain an essential component of American energy security. “I want to see new technologies increase energy resources across the board, including hydrocarbons,” he said.

A Delicate Balance

Chris Wright’s nomination raises questions about the future direction of U.S. energy policy under the Trump administration. While the nominee promotes an inclusive approach combining fossil fuels and renewables, his appointment could reignite debates over the energy transition and U.S. climate commitments.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The U.S. Department of Energy has suspended seven energy efficiency standards targeting household products. This decision, impacting devices such as gas water heaters, has sparked debates over the economic and environmental consequences of the new rules.
The province of Quebec is investing nearly $7.8 million to support six projects focused on critical and strategic minerals, thus advancing research to strengthen energy independence.
The province of Quebec is investing nearly $7.8 million to support six projects focused on critical and strategic minerals, thus advancing research to strengthen energy independence.
France proposes the creation of a European Decarbonization and Electrification Bank to support industrial companies facing the costs of energy transition. The project, backed by Bercy, aims for long-term financing and will be discussed at upcoming European Council meetings.
France proposes the creation of a European Decarbonization and Electrification Bank to support industrial companies facing the costs of energy transition. The project, backed by Bercy, aims for long-term financing and will be discussed at upcoming European Council meetings.
Paris supports maintaining regulated electricity tariffs for households and very small businesses despite criticism from the Competition Authority. A report sent to Brussels highlights their role in stabilizing the market.
Paris supports maintaining regulated electricity tariffs for households and very small businesses despite criticism from the Competition Authority. A report sent to Brussels highlights their role in stabilizing the market.
A network of anti-competitive agreements and corruption surrounding electrification in Réunion is bringing eight individuals and two companies to trial in May. Practices that distorted public tenders have already led to several convictions and financial penalties.
Europe's energy transition is driving a structural transformation of the electricity grid, exposing the market to new vulnerabilities. A study by Compass Lexecon highlights three strategic levers to ensure supply stability amid geopolitical pressures and market volatility.
Europe's energy transition is driving a structural transformation of the electricity grid, exposing the market to new vulnerabilities. A study by Compass Lexecon highlights three strategic levers to ensure supply stability amid geopolitical pressures and market volatility.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QDF) have signed a $100 million financing agreement to connect the Gulf power grid with Oman. This strategic project, with a total cost exceeding $700 million, aims to enhance regional energy security and efficiency.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QDF) have signed a $100 million financing agreement to connect the Gulf power grid with Oman. This strategic project, with a total cost exceeding $700 million, aims to enhance regional energy security and efficiency.
Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), in partnership with the European Union and other financial institutions, has launched the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP). With a budget of €107 million, this initiative aims to improve electricity access and energy efficiency in the country.
Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), in partnership with the European Union and other financial institutions, has launched the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP). With a budget of €107 million, this initiative aims to improve electricity access and energy efficiency in the country.
Energy Minister Marc Ferracci reaffirmed his opposition to reopening the debate on oil exploration in France. Despite proposals from Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, the government is prioritizing a decarbonization strategy aligned with its international commitments.
Donald Trump has signed a decree creating a National Council for Energy Dominance, aimed at massively increasing electricity production. The goal is to strengthen the United States’ competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI), a rapidly expanding and energy-intensive sector.
Donald Trump has signed a decree creating a National Council for Energy Dominance, aimed at massively increasing electricity production. The goal is to strengthen the United States’ competitiveness in artificial intelligence (AI), a rapidly expanding and energy-intensive sector.
*Thames Water, a major water supplier in the UK, is facing an environmental investigation over growing concerns regarding its waste management and leaks. This situation raises significant financial stakes for the company.*
*Thames Water, a major water supplier in the UK, is facing an environmental investigation over growing concerns regarding its waste management and leaks. This situation raises significant financial stakes for the company.*
The Medef and thirteen other European employers' organizations launch an initiative to support the nuclear sector in the EU, in response to increasing competitiveness challenges exacerbated by international politics and global economic tensions.
The Medef and thirteen other European employers' organizations launch an initiative to support the nuclear sector in the EU, in response to increasing competitiveness challenges exacerbated by international politics and global economic tensions.
France will invest €100 billion to modernize its power grid by 2035. However, the impact on consumer bills will be limited, according to the network manager RTE.
The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
The Tanzanian government plans to invest $12.9 billion to add 2.4 GW to its power grid by 2030. This funding aims to expand electricity access to 75% of the population, with significant participation from the private sector.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
A court demands that all funding linked to federal energy and climate laws, previously suspended, be immediately put back into circulation. This decision is based on a federal judgment challenging the legality of a freeze imposed by the American executive.
At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
Canada will need to build energy infrastructure on an unprecedented scale to meet the federal government's goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector by 2050. A major technical and economic challenge marked by delays and significant costs.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
The majority of countries have not submitted their new climate roadmaps to the UN before the February 10 deadline. This delay raises questions about the priorities of major economies amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
Joseph Saddi is the new Minister of Energy in Lebanon. He inherits a sector weakened by reliance on imports and failing infrastructure, while international partnerships struggle to restart oil and gas exploration.
The Canadian government allocates $43.5 million to strengthen energy policy related to critical minerals in Quebec. This investment aims to support infrastructure and research, consolidating the country's strategic supply chains.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a reduction in renewable energy subsidies in China. New projects will now have to sell their electricity at market prices, marking a transition to a more autonomous economic model.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have finalized their synchronization with the European electricity grid, ending their dependence on Russian infrastructure. This project, funded with €1.6 billion, strengthens the region’s energy security.

Advertising