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Four Days Before Inauguration, How Mozambique Can Benefit from Trump’s Energy Priorities

Four Days Before Inauguration, How Mozambique Can Benefit from Trump’s Energy Priorities

In his first 100 days in office, US President Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright must pursue a global ‘energy freedom’ agenda that prioritises accessible and affordable energy, removing obstacles to investment and production.

According to an article written by the president and executive director of the Global Energy Analysis Centre, Joseph McMonigle, published on the Energy Conects news portal on Wednesday 15 January, the strategy would improve the world’s standard of living and reduce the risk of price shocks, while creating a solid basis for combating climate change.

The organisation says that a global agenda for energy freedom would improve the lives of millions of people and combat energy inequality. Unlike the unilateral ‘net zero by 2050’ approach, which demands immediate reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) at all costs, the agenda recognises other pressing global issues – principally the 700 million people without access to modern energy and the billions who need more energy to improve health, education and connectivity. Advanced economies can get on with their energy transitions, but for much of the world, access to reliable energy is a first and urgent priority.

Within this context, the head of the Global Analysis Centre lists five key policy initiatives to consolidate the United States’ global energy leadership.

1. lifting the LNG pause

The author explains that President Biden’s suspension of new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export projects was ‘a mistake’ not supported by science. ‘Globally, coal burning reached a record high in 2023. The transition of electricity production from coal to natural gas is a victory for the climate, since burning natural gas emits about half the CO2 of coal,’ he said.

A McKinsey study showed that in the US, the transition from coal to natural gas by public utilities avoided the emission of 500 million tonnes of CO2 over 15 years – more than all wind and solar installations combined during the same period.

The expert believes that without American natural gas, countries that rely on imports face higher energy costs and are more likely to turn to coal. The revitalisation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports should be a central element of a broader ‘America First’ strategy, especially in energy-hungry regions like Asia.

2. Strengthening relations with Gulf energy allies

Joseph McMonigle believes that a stronger partnership with the nations of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) would strengthen global energy security and market stability. ‘Together, the US and the GCC countries are energy superpowers with common interests in reducing market volatility and ensuring diversified energy supplies. Renewed collaboration can mitigate supply shocks and strengthen geopolitical ties by aligning energy policy with broader strategic objectives,’ he pointed out.

3. Leading the fight against energy poverty in Africa

The head of the Global Energy Analysis Centre argues that ending energy poverty by 2030 should be a priority for US foreign policy. ‘London’s Heathrow airport currently consumes more energy than the entire country of Sierra Leone,’ he said, before emphasising that “reliable and affordable energy is vital for health, education, employment and the digital economy”.

The source goes on to say that ‘alarmingly’, even the International Energy Agency’s less ambitious zero net emissions scenario assumes that per capita energy consumption in Africa will fall by 2050. ‘Africans should not be expected to remain in the dark in order to facilitate global net zero goals,’ observed Joseph McMonigle.

A house lit up at night

‘The new administration should advocate lifting the bans imposed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on financing fossil fuel projects in developing countries. Holding a US-Africa Summit on Energy and Economic Development would allow African nations to define energy scenarios aligned with their development needs. This initiative would also create lucrative markets for American companies,’ he explained.

4. Prioritising transformative energy technologies

The transition away from fossil fuels will take longer than expected due to their integral role in sectors such as aviation, cement, plastics and fertilisers. Eliminating hydrocarbons prematurely, without viable alternatives, is unrealistic.

He therefore advises the Trump administration to invest in revolutionary innovations such as nuclear fusion, direct air capture and low-carbon hydrogen. ‘These technologies could define the clean energy landscape, with America positioning itself as a leader. The Inflation Reduction Act should be amended to emphasise underfunded technologies such as carbon capture and nuclear power, while focusing on the life-cycle sustainability of vehicles,’ he pointed out.

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5. Revitalising investment in the hydrocarbon and mining sectors

Joseph McMonigle reiterates that current policies risk triggering not only an energy crisis, but also a mineral supply crisis that could halt the transition. Investment deficits in hydrocarbons and critical minerals have led to price volatility, undermining public confidence in the energy transition.

‘The new administration must show investors that responsible investments in hydrocarbons and mining are essential for a pragmatic transition. Greater investment would support development in the Global South, alleviate energy poverty and create a smoother path to sustainable energy systems,’ he noted.

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