Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, highlighted nuclear power development during his confirmation hearing Wednesday, telling senators he hopes to expand its role in meeting global electricity demand.
Wright, CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, serves on the board of directors of Oklo, a developer of small modular nuclear reactors, and pledged to support various energy sources including nuclear power.
“I will work tirelessly to implement his bold agenda as an unabashed steward for all sources of affordable, reliable and secure American energy,” Wright told the Senate Energy Committee.
During questioning, Wright said he wants to “accelerate the development of nuclear energy so it can meet a far greater share of the world’s demand for electricity.” He included nuclear power among major energy sources he would support alongside oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, and renewable sources.
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) characterized Wright as an “unrestrained enthusiast for fossils fuels in almost every regard,” but noted his scientific background and work on nuclear and solar energy showed openness to discussion.
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