Connection

popular articles

Hydro-Québec Facing Contestation: The Rise of Wind Energy at the Heart of Tensions
South Africa: Mainstream Renewable Power finalizes a 50 MW solar project in Ilikwa
French Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against TotalEnergies Over Climate Crisis
Poland plans to spin off its coal assets within a year
Asian refining margins plunge in face of supply glut

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

Latest news

Hydro-Québec launches a 10 G$ energy efficiency plan by 2035
The UK and Eni finalize financing for CO2 storage project in the Irish Sea
Washington criticises anti-fossil policies at IEA summit
Countries accused of overstating carbon sinks to slow energy transition
Saudi Arabia reduces crude consumption for power generation by 2030

Recently published in

France seeks to create a China-EU duo to offset US withdrawal

France proposes a stronger alliance between the European Union and China to counter the absence of the United States in the fight against climate change, with a summit scheduled for July 2025.
Hydro-Québec launches a 10 G$ energy efficiency plan by 2035
Hydro-Québec announces a 10 G$ investment to enhance energy efficiency through various initiatives by 2035, creating over 5,000 jobs and reducing operating costs for Quebec customers.
en_1140290964540-4
Hydro-Québec launches a 10 G$ energy efficiency plan by 2035
Hydro-Québec announces a 10 G$ investment to enhance energy efficiency through various initiatives by 2035, creating over 5,000 jobs and reducing operating costs for Quebec customers.
en_1140290964540-4
The UK and Eni finalize financing for CO2 storage project in the Irish Sea
The UK government and Italian energy company Eni have announced the financial closing of a project aimed at burying millions of tonnes of CO2 in the Irish Sea, an ambitious initiative to reduce industrial emissions.
en_1140290963540-9
The UK and Eni finalize financing for CO2 storage project in the Irish Sea
The UK government and Italian energy company Eni have announced the financial closing of a project aimed at burying millions of tonnes of CO2 in the Irish Sea, an ambitious initiative to reduce industrial emissions.
en_1140290963540-9
Washington criticises anti-fossil policies at IEA summit
The United States strongly criticised anti-fossil fuel policies at the International Energy Agency (IEA) summit, highlighting their dangers to global energy security.
en_1140290944540-17
Washington criticises anti-fossil policies at IEA summit
The United States strongly criticised anti-fossil fuel policies at the International Energy Agency (IEA) summit, highlighting their dangers to global energy security.
en_1140290944540-17

Countries accused of overstating carbon sinks to slow energy transition

Countries such as Brazil and Australia are criticised for overstating the CO2 absorption capacity of their forests, a practice that undermines their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a report by Climate Analytics.
Summit in London: Tensions over the role of renewable energy in global energy security
In London, global officials gather to discuss energy security amid rising geopolitical tensions. Disagreements persist on the role of renewable energy in meeting global demand.
en_1140290947540-15
Summit in London: Tensions over the role of renewable energy in global energy security
In London, global officials gather to discuss energy security amid rising geopolitical tensions. Disagreements persist on the role of renewable energy in meeting global demand.
en_1140290947540-15
Energy stakeholders call for acceleration of electrification in France
As a parliamentary debate approaches, twenty energy organizations urge lawmakers to act to reduce France's reliance on fossil fuels by accelerating the electrification of uses.
en_1140290966540-5
Energy stakeholders call for acceleration of electrification in France
As a parliamentary debate approaches, twenty energy organizations urge lawmakers to act to reduce France's reliance on fossil fuels by accelerating the electrification of uses.
en_1140290966540-5
Nigeria plans to add 4,000 MW to its energy capacity by 2026
Nigeria aims to increase its electricity production capacity by 4,000 MW by 2026 to meet the growing demand of the industrial sector, in a context of reforms and partnerships with international players.
en_1140290954540-13
Nigeria plans to add 4,000 MW to its energy capacity by 2026
Nigeria aims to increase its electricity production capacity by 4,000 MW by 2026 to meet the growing demand of the industrial sector, in a context of reforms and partnerships with international players.
en_1140290954540-13

EDF promises electricity more competitive than that of the United States by 2026

EDF’s outgoing CEO, Luc Rémont, claims French electricity will be more competitive than that of the United States, despite ongoing criticisms from industrialists about high tariffs.
Trump policies: renewable energy and storage sectors on alert in US markets
Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies and regulatory uncertainty in the United States are slowing investments in wind, solar, and energy storage, pushing the sector into a period of caution and market volatility.
en_1140290951540-12
Trump policies: renewable energy and storage sectors on alert in US markets
Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies and regulatory uncertainty in the United States are slowing investments in wind, solar, and energy storage, pushing the sector into a period of caution and market volatility.
en_1140290951540-12
France relaunches five calls for projects to accelerate industrial decarbonisation
The French government activates five funding mechanisms to support industrial decarbonisation projects through the France 2030 plan, targeting major sites, SMEs and high-emission industrial zones.
en_1140290945540-12
France relaunches five calls for projects to accelerate industrial decarbonisation
The French government activates five funding mechanisms to support industrial decarbonisation projects through the France 2030 plan, targeting major sites, SMEs and high-emission industrial zones.
en_1140290945540-12
The French state allocates €400mn to accelerate industrial decarbonisation
Paris releases a new €400mn funding package to support industrial projects aimed at reducing emissions under the France 2030 programme.
en_1140290958540-10
The French state allocates €400mn to accelerate industrial decarbonisation
Paris releases a new €400mn funding package to support industrial projects aimed at reducing emissions under the France 2030 programme.
en_1140290958540-10

Decline in European and American funding: threat to Africa’s transition

The massive withdrawal of American financial support and the reduction of European aid could jeopardize energy projects in Africa, profoundly altering their financing structure and the continent's commitments.
Vietnam quadruples solar and wind targets in revised energy plan
The Vietnamese government has raised its renewable energy targets in a new version of its national energy plan, responding to continued growth in electricity demand.
en_1140290948540-12
Vietnam quadruples solar and wind targets in revised energy plan
The Vietnamese government has raised its renewable energy targets in a new version of its national energy plan, responding to continued growth in electricity demand.
en_1140290948540-12
A new power outage affects over one million homes in Puerto Rico
A massive outage plunged Puerto Rico into darkness on Wednesday, leaving approximately 1.1 million households without electricity after an unexpected shutdown of all its power plants.
en_1140290951540-10
A new power outage affects over one million homes in Puerto Rico
A massive outage plunged Puerto Rico into darkness on Wednesday, leaving approximately 1.1 million households without electricity after an unexpected shutdown of all its power plants.
en_1140290951540-10
The Czech Republic ends 60 years of dependency on Russian oil
The Czech Republic has ended its dependency on Russian oil after more than six decades, a major shift made in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
en_1140290952540-10
The Czech Republic ends 60 years of dependency on Russian oil
The Czech Republic has ended its dependency on Russian oil after more than six decades, a major shift made in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
en_1140290952540-10

Europe contracts 19 GW of renewable capacity via PPAs in 2024

The European power purchase agreement (PPA) market for renewables reached 19 GW of new capacity in 2024, with growing momentum for hybrid contracts including storage.
France: Ferracci accuses RN of promoting fossil energy dependence
Industry Minister Marc Ferracci criticised the Rassemblement National's stance on energy, accusing it of hindering planned investments in renewables in favour of fossil fuel imports.
en_1140290950540-8
France: Ferracci accuses RN of promoting fossil energy dependence
Industry Minister Marc Ferracci criticised the Rassemblement National's stance on energy, accusing it of hindering planned investments in renewables in favour of fossil fuel imports.
en_1140290950540-8
Growing opposition to PL-69 as Quebec considers liberalising electricity
Bill 69 sparks protests in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, where several organisations denounce a risk of privatising Quebec’s electricity sector.
en_1140290956540-5
Growing opposition to PL-69 as Quebec considers liberalising electricity
Bill 69 sparks protests in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, where several organisations denounce a risk of privatising Quebec’s electricity sector.
en_1140290956540-5
Wind and solar reach 18% of Türkiye’s power mix in 2024
Wind and solar energy accounted for nearly one-fifth of Türkiye’s electricity generation in 2024, according to an analysis by think tank Ember, driven by a strong increase in installed capacity.
en_1140290982540
Wind and solar reach 18% of Türkiye’s power mix in 2024
Wind and solar energy accounted for nearly one-fifth of Türkiye’s electricity generation in 2024, according to an analysis by think tank Ember, driven by a strong increase in installed capacity.
en_1140290982540

PPE 3 scales back solar targets and bets on storage to stabilise the grid

France’s multi-year energy strategy shifts focus away from photovoltaics toward flexibility measures, including battery storage, to address growing imbalances in the electricity market.
PPAs gain ground in France despite limited adoption
France’s energy regulator unveils its first observatory dedicated to renewable electricity purchase agreements, highlighting a recent but still marginal growth compared to State-backed mechanisms.
en_1140290976540-2
PPAs gain ground in France despite limited adoption
France’s energy regulator unveils its first observatory dedicated to renewable electricity purchase agreements, highlighting a recent but still marginal growth compared to State-backed mechanisms.
en_1140290976540-2
Paris finalises its energy roadmap for 2025–2035 with imminent decree
The French government plans to adopt within two weeks a decree outlining the decade’s energy objectives, restarting nuclear power and preparing for a parliamentary debate on energy sovereignty.
en_1140290961540-5
Paris finalises its energy roadmap for 2025–2035 with imminent decree
The French government plans to adopt within two weeks a decree outlining the decade’s energy objectives, restarting nuclear power and preparing for a parliamentary debate on energy sovereignty.
en_1140290961540-5
The rise of renewable energy increases negative price episodes in Europe
The expansion of solar and wind capacity is multiplying hours of negative prices on European electricity markets, weakening the sector's economic balance while reshaping export and storage dynamics.
en_1140290953540-5
The rise of renewable energy increases negative price episodes in Europe
The expansion of solar and wind capacity is multiplying hours of negative prices on European electricity markets, weakening the sector's economic balance while reshaping export and storage dynamics.
en_1140290953540-5

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS