President Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright commended coal, natural gas, and nuclear power for safeguarding the US electricity grid amid a severe cold spell. Wright lauded the administration’s energy dominance agenda, highlighting that US oil production now surpasses Saudi Arabia and Russia combined.
Emphasizing the significance of coal during peak demand, Wright acclaimed it as the key player during the recent cold weather, providing substantially more electricity than solar and batteries combined. Trump echoed this sentiment by pointing out issues with frozen windmills affecting renewable energy generation.
Wright criticized the limited contribution of renewables during high demand periods, citing New England’s reliance on wind, solar, and batteries for less than 3% of required electricity during peak times. He underscored the life-threatening consequences of power outages in extreme cold conditions.
Highlighting the surge in coal output to meet energy needs, Wright noted that the administration prevented the closure of 17 gigawatts of coal generation plants last year. Trump stressed the importance of these plants for ensuring energy stability, particularly during times of high demand.
Trump also discussed changes in powering large projects, mentioning the flexibility for developers to choose their energy sources, including nuclear, oil, gas, and coal. The administration’s focus on energy reliability and affordability as crucial for economic growth and national security was reiterated.
