Can EU renewables outmuscle US oil and gas?
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, recently urged the International Energy Agency (IEA) to shift focus from clean energy to fossil fuels during his visit to Europe. Appointed under the Trump administration, Wright criticized the IEA's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a "destructive illusion" and warned of potential US withdrawal from the IEA if it does not abandon its energy transition goals. This move aligns with President Trump's broader agenda of promoting "American Energy Dominance," which prioritizes fossil fuel production over renewable energy investments.
Wright, a former CEO of a major US oil and gas fracking company, has long opposed what he calls "climate alarmism." In July 2025, his department released a controversial climate report downplaying the economic impact of CO2-induced warming. During his trip to Europe, Wright argued that transitioning away from fossil fuels has harmed both the US and EU economies, claiming it has reduced economic opportunities for Europeans. However, experts like Sam Alvis from the UK's Institute for Public Policy Research reject this notion, emphasizing that renewable energy uptake in Europe has not hurt its economy. Over 25% of the EU's energy now comes from clean sources, with solar and wind being the cheapest forms of energy available.
Despite Wright's claims, Europe's shift to renewables has proven economically beneficial. Solar panel costs have dropped by nearly 90% over the past decade, making renewable energy the most affordable option for a region heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. This transition has also enhanced energy security, particularly after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine disrupted gas supplies. European leaders now call for increased investment in
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026