Fatshimetrie— Future Energies and New Challenges
In a constantly changing world, energy remains at the heart of contemporary debates and issues. As the Trump era gives way to new energy perspectives with the advent of the Biden administration, the American energy landscape is at a crucial turning point. The political and strategic choices of the current administration are shaping a future where renewable and sustainable energies are taking an increasingly prominent place.
While Donald Trump advocated an energy policy focused on fossil fuels with his famous slogan “Let’s drill, baby, let’s drill”, his cabinet choices and the current state of the fossil fuel economy make this vision more complex to achieve. Indeed, the names surrounding President Trump today seem to favor the fossil fuel industry more, thus wishing to increase oil production and demand for derivative products. Projects such as liquefying and exporting natural gas to the Gulf Coast could see the light of day, while some regulations favoring fuel-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles could be called into question.
However, the reality on the ground is changing. While figures such as Doug Burgum, Trump’s nominee for Interior Secretary, and Chris Wright, CEO of a natural gas fracking company nominated for Energy Secretary, are staunch supporters of fossil fuels, they have also had implications for clean energy. The rise of the oil industry in North Dakota under Burgum has been accompanied by a substantial increase in the share of wind energy in the state’s energy mix. Wright, meanwhile, actively engaged in natural gas fracking, has also invested in clean technologies such as advanced nuclear power and geothermal energy.
Elsewhere, the influence of Elon Musk, a vocal advocate of electric vehicles, alongside Trump raises questions about the direction of future energy policy. While Trump is considering opening the floodgates of the oil industry, the Biden administration has implemented clean energy tax incentives, encouraging the construction of electric vehicle and solar plants in several conservative states.
Electricity is also a major issue in this changing energy landscape. With the rise of artificial intelligence, data centers and power manufacturing facilities, many large tech companies are turning to zero-emission nuclear power to meet their electricity needs..
In the face of these rapid changes, former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Neil Chatterjee emphasizes the need for a new approach to energy policy. While traditional visions of Republicans versus Democrats on energy issues seem outdated, it is imperative to open a new chapter in the management of energy resources.
In short, the United States’ energy future promises to be rich in challenges and opportunities. Between proponents of fossil fuels and promoters of renewable energy, the country finds itself at a critical crossroads where crucial choices will have to be made to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy future. In the face of these colossal challenges, one thing is certain: energy remains at the heart of political concerns and actions, thus shaping the country’s energy destiny for years to come.