Chris Wright Defends Fossil Fuels, Criticizes Net Zero in First International Address as US Energy Secretary

In his first international appearance since being confirmed as US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright delivered a forceful address at ARC 2025, a global energy summit attended by policymakers, industry leaders, and investors. Speaking via video link, Wright outlined his vision for American energy policy, emphasizing a commitment to "energy addition, not energy subtraction," while sharply criticizing Net Zero goals as "unachievable" and "a sinister goal."

Restoring US Energy Dominance

Wright wasted no time in setting the tone for his tenure, reiterating his administration’s priority: expanding affordable, reliable, and secure energy. "History has shown that affordable energy allows economic opportunity to flourish and for everyone to pursue their dreams," he said. "We want to bring common sense back to Washington and grow the supply of energy—across all sectors."

Central to this agenda is increasing US fossil fuel production. Wright announced that his first major action was lifting the Biden-era pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals, citing the recent approval of the Commonwealth LNG terminal. "The United States is the largest producer of natural gas, and we are reaffirming our commitment to being a reliable supplier to the world," he said. "Our priority is clear: more energy, not less."

Rejecting Net Zero, Embracing ‘Energy Reality’

One of Wright’s most striking remarks came in his critique of Net Zero policies, which he dismissed as economically destructive and impractical. "Net Zero 2050 is a sinister goal—it’s unachievable by any practical means," he stated. "The aggressive pursuit of it has not delivered benefits, only tremendous costs. Countries that have pursued it, like the United Kingdom, have made energy more expensive, less reliable, and driven their industries offshore. That is not an energy transition; it is economic self-destruction."

Wright further argued that the focus on renewables has failed to meaningfully change the global energy mix. "Over the last 50 years, the share of global energy from hydrocarbons has remained at 85%. Despite trillions of dollars invested in wind, solar, and battery storage, they still provide less than 3% of global energy. And everywhere they have achieved significant penetration, electricity has become more expensive and less reliable."

Fossil Fuels and Global Development

He also framed energy policy as a moral issue, emphasizing that affordable energy is essential for improving global living standards. "About a billion people live lives remotely recognizable to us, while seven billion more aspire to our standard of living," Wright said. "They need motorized transport, modern materials, and reliable electricity. To deny them access to affordable energy is to deny them the chance to prosper."

His remarks also touched on the role of hydrocarbons in everyday life. "Everything you see in the built environment—from what we wear to how we travel—comes from fossil fuels. Pretending otherwise is a dangerous delusion."

Nuclear as a Cornerstone of Future Energy Policy

While emphasizing fossil fuels, Wright also singled out nuclear energy as a critical path forward. "Nuclear is the most energy-dense, reliable technology, yet it has been stifled by decades of regulation. We are committed to reversing that trend."

He also expressed interest in strengthening international nuclear partnerships, particularly with Australia. "Australia holds a third of the world’s uranium, yet does not enrich or use it. I would love to see Australia play a bigger role in the nuclear supply chain. The United States is eager to work together to enhance energy security for both nations."

Warning Against Energy Dependency and Industrial Decline

Wright tied energy security to national security, warning that Western nations have eroded their industrial base by outsourcing energy production. "Germany has spent half a trillion dollars trying to reinvent its energy system and only reduced its dependence on hydrocarbons from 80% to 74%. Meanwhile, electricity prices have doubled, and their manufacturing base is shrinking."

He pointed to Europe’s energy challenges as a cautionary tale. "The UK and Germany have exported their energy production, making themselves vulnerable. You can’t have national security without energy security. By pushing away affordable energy, they have shrunk the life opportunities of their citizens. It’s time for a reversal."

A Call for ‘Energy Reality’

Concluding his remarks, Wright issued a challenge to global policymakers. "If you are serious about climate change, look at the data. If you are serious about economic growth, embrace energy abundance. If you are serious about national security, recognize that energy security is its foundation."

With his remarks at ARC 2025, Chris Wright made it clear that under his leadership, US energy policy will take a sharp turn toward expansion and deregulation. His stance sets up potential clashes with international allies pursuing Net Zero but underscores a renewed focus on domestic energy production and global energy leadership.