Following his most recent visit to the UAE, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright headed to Saudi Arabia, where he first met with the Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Prince Abdulaziz received Wright and his accompanying delegation at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh. During the visit, Wright was briefed on the center’s role in advancing research in energy policy, energy transition, climate change, sustainable transport and advisory services, as well as its development of analytical models and tools that contribute to addressing current challenges in the energy sector.
The visit included discussions on opportunities for collaboration in energy research, knowledge exchange, and enhancing joint research efforts.
Stronger bilateral cooperation in energy
The two sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple energy fields, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, carbon management, hydrogen technologies, peaceful uses for nuclear energy, electricity, renewables and innovation, as well as other areas of mutual interest.
They also emphasized the importance of continued coordination and expertise exchange between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. to support the transition to more sustainable and efficient energy systems.
Investments in energy and infrastructure to drive growth
Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Riyadh, Wright highlighted the discussions held regarding energy collaboration with Saudi Arabia. The talks centered on key areas, including investment, trade and energy security, as well as comprehensive cooperation across all major energy sources. This encompassed renewable energies such as green hydrogen and solar energy.
Wright emphasized the necessity of long-term energy investments to meet the increasing global demand. He also addressed the U.S. economic policy under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, emphasizing its focus on fair trade and bringing jobs back to the U.S. through strategic tariffs and the encouragement of domestic investment. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of the sustainability of the current oil prices to support investments in essential minerals.
Wright praised Saudi Arabia’s solar energy resources and its effective approach to energy development. He also stressed the significance of promoting mutual investment and fostering sustained growth in energy supplies. Moreover, he reiterated the world’s increasing energy needs and the extended timelines associated with energy development, advocating for long-term investment strategies spanning decades.
Wright also disclosed that evolving political dynamics in the United States would catalyze accelerated economic growth with Saudi Arabia and other nations globally through substantial investments in energy and infrastructure, ultimately driving future prosperity.
Deeper cooperation in mining sector
During the visit, Wright also held an official meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef. The talks focused on strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries in the mining and minerals sector.
They explored ways to expand cooperation in the mining sector and emphasized the importance of minerals in the energy transition, advanced technology industries and modern economies linked to clean energy, as well as their significance in the electric vehicle industry and its components.
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and high-value investment opportunities in both countries and the enablers available to leverage these opportunities in support of deepening their longstanding partnership. During the meeting, Minister Alkhorayef invited the U.S. energy secretary to attend the Future Minerals Forum, which will be held in Riyadh next year.
