Europe, Asia, and India in the U.S. Global Energy Plan
Brussels: The United States today unveiled a comprehensive energy strategy aimed at reducing Russian leverage over global markets while strengthening trade and security ties with allies. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright underscored the geopolitical role of energy, stating, “Our goal is to deploy American energy exports to our allies around the world so they can buy energy from reliable friends as opposed to adversaries.”
Central to this plan is the effort to replace Russian natural gas in Europe. Wright emphasised the ambitious scale of the U.S.-European Union energy deal, which targets $750 billion in U.S. energy exports to the European Union (EU). Achieving this would involve liquefied natural gas (LNG), refined petroleum products, and nuclear cooperation, particularly with Central and Eastern European nations. According to Wright, “To achieve those targets…displace Russian LNG with American LNG, replace Russian oil products with American exports, and continue nuclear cooperation. If you do all three, you get there.”
Energy abundance is positioned as a strategic instrument. Wright argued that the U.S. has become the largest producer and net exporter of natural gas while also leading global oil production. “The best way to combat the market power of a country like Russia is to enable the growth of hydrocarbon production everywhere,” he said, highlighting the dual goals of economic growth and geopolitical influence.
Fossil fuels are central to U.S. policy, despite environmental trade-offs. Wright framed hydrocarbons as essential for human development and industrial capacity, stating, “The impact of hydrocarbons has been massively larger in making safer, longer, healthier lives.” He contrasted this with global investments in renewable energy, noting that despite trillions of dollars spent on solar, wind, and battery technologies, “less than 3 per cent of global energy comes from wind, solar, and batteries.”
The global dimension of U.S. strategy extends to India and Asian markets, which remain key importers of Russian oil. Wright noted, “Russian oil still gets into the European Union via Türkiye and India, where the Russian oil is refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel and shipped on to Europe.” While no formal financial commitment exists with India, the country is seen as a critical partner for diversifying supply chains, reducing reliance on Russian hydrocarbons, and enhancing energy security across Asia. This positioning also serves to strengthen the U.S. market presence in a region where Russian and Chinese influence remains strong.
In Europe, Wright emphasised engagement with countries such as Poland, Romania, and other Central European states, particularly for nuclear development and LNG imports. He also flagged the importance of reducing dependency on Chinese technology for energy systems, saying, “Our goal is absolutely to reduce dependence on imports from China, particularly in critical things for economic and national security like energy systems.”
Domestically, the administration signalled caution on renewables. Offshore wind projects, for instance, are under review due to high costs, environmental impacts, and local opposition. Wright stressed the need for affordable, reliable, 24/7 electricity, citing its importance for industry, economic growth, and leadership in artificial intelligence and energy-intensive manufacturing.
The strategy also highlights the market-stabilising role of the United States. By exporting energy, the U.S. aims to influence global prices, reduce the market share of adversarial producers, and ensure energy security for allies. Wright explained that even as global demand grows — oil about 1 per cent annually, coal 2 per cent, and natural gas 3 per cent — Russian production remains flat or in gradual decline. Expanding American exports, therefore, gradually reduces Moscow’s global influence.
On climate considerations, Wright acknowledged environmental concerns but emphasised trade-offs. He argued that government mandates and subsidies have historically failed to alter the global energy mix significantly. “Today, globally, the world gets 85 per cent of its energy from hydrocarbons, the same per cent it got 50 years ago. Trillions of dollars of investments…have not been wildly successful,” he said. Instead, he positioned nuclear energy, advanced geothermal, and fusion as future low-carbon solutions that can coexist with fossil fuel production to meet global energy demand.
In sum, the U.S. energy strategy combines fossil fuel production, nuclear development, and strategic exports to bolster allies, reduce adversarial influence, and maintain energy affordability. It frames energy as a tool of prosperity and geopolitical stability, integrating Europe, India, and other key markets without misrepresenting financial commitments. Environmental trade-offs are recognized but are subordinated to the goal of global energy security and economic growth.
– global bihari bureau
