Connection

popular articles

Uzbekistan invests $1.3 billion in waste-to-energy projects
Japan: electricity prices rise 3% in the face of record demand
Storm Helene Forces Shutdown of Southern Company and Duke Energy Units
France accelerates offshore wind development with a 10 GW tender
South Africa Announces 44.2 Billion Rand Energy Investments

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

Enlight secures $773 mn for Country Acres solar project in California
Subsea7 secures contract up to $150M for Northern Lights in Norway
The decarbonisation market will surpass $4.7tn by 2033
Uganda finalizes historic agreement to build Hoima oil refinery
Nigerian oil giant NNPC prepares imminent stock market debut

Recently published in

Bernard Fontana to be heard by Parliament ahead of EDF leadership appointment

The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
Samoa declares state of emergency after collapse of main power network
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
en_1140290946540-22
Samoa declares state of emergency after collapse of main power network
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
en_1140290946540-22
France: Marc Ferracci ready to submit energy roadmap to parliamentary vote
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
en_1140290949540-21
France: Marc Ferracci ready to submit energy roadmap to parliamentary vote
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
en_1140290949540-21
France delays energy voucher payment to November amid budget law holdup
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
en_1140290947540-21
France delays energy voucher payment to November amid budget law holdup
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
en_1140290947540-21

Emission decline slows in France with a limited 1.8% drop in 2024

France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
EDF: French government removes Luc Rémont over disagreements on industrial contracts and nuclear strategy
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
en_1140290950540-20
EDF: French government removes Luc Rémont over disagreements on industrial contracts and nuclear strategy
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
en_1140290950540-20
Just Stop Oil announces end of direct actions after years of mobilisation
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
en_1140290955540-20
Just Stop Oil announces end of direct actions after years of mobilisation
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
en_1140290955540-20
Grid bottlenecks slow energy security efforts in the Netherlands
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
en_1140290944540-20
Grid bottlenecks slow energy security efforts in the Netherlands
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
en_1140290944540-20

Power grid training gap threatens €200bn investment projects in France

The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
EDF faces government dispute over nuclear financing and industrial electricity prices
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
en_1140290944540-19
EDF faces government dispute over nuclear financing and industrial electricity prices
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
en_1140290944540-19
EIB grants €405mn to Orlen to reinforce Poland’s electricity grid
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
en_1140290946540-17
EIB grants €405mn to Orlen to reinforce Poland’s electricity grid
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
en_1140290946540-17
EDF reshuffles leadership amid industrial dispute over electricity pricing
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
en_1140290952540-16
EDF reshuffles leadership amid industrial dispute over electricity pricing
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
en_1140290952540-16

Luc Rémont steps down from EDF after two years of tensions with state shareholder

Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
Bernard Fontana appointed to lead EDF and steer its industrial strategy
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
en_1140290943540-18
Bernard Fontana appointed to lead EDF and steer its industrial strategy
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
en_1140290943540-18
Kazakhmys partially suspends operations after fatal accidents
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
en_1140290944540-15
Kazakhmys partially suspends operations after fatal accidents
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
en_1140290944540-15
Chile power plant project: ESO warns of risks to astronomical observation
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
en_1140290962540-6
Chile power plant project: ESO warns of risks to astronomical observation
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
en_1140290962540-6

Greenland: Election results and energy outlook amid Trump’s ambitions

The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
Italy’s trade deficit in January, mainly due to the energy bill
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
en_1140290950540-13
Italy’s trade deficit in January, mainly due to the energy bill
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
en_1140290950540-13
France: Fabrice Coudour takes over FNME-CGT, a key union in the energy sector
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
en_1140290961540-10
France: Fabrice Coudour takes over FNME-CGT, a key union in the energy sector
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
en_1140290961540-10
Niger expels Chinese executives from the oil sector
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
en_1140290963540-3
Niger expels Chinese executives from the oil sector
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
en_1140290963540-3

Total blackout in Panama: A failure in a private power plant disrupts the electrical grid

An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
UK: 3.6% reduction in emissions in 2024, coal usage at historic low
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
en_1140290957540-10
UK: 3.6% reduction in emissions in 2024, coal usage at historic low
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
en_1140290957540-10
Power outage in Bangui: Central African capital faces major blackouts
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
en_1140290943540-12
Power outage in Bangui: Central African capital faces major blackouts
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
en_1140290943540-12
More than 160 Senators Call for a Revision of the French Multi-Year Energy Programme
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
en_1140290950540-10
More than 160 Senators Call for a Revision of the French Multi-Year Energy Programme
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
en_1140290950540-10

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS