Dhahran, March 11, 2025 – Saudi Aramco President and CEO Eng. Amin H. Nasser has called for a fundamental shift in global energy transition planning, urging a more balanced and pragmatic approach that accommodates the growth of both traditional and renewable energy sources, while ensuring alignment with climate goals. Speaking at the CERAWeek 2025 conference in Houston, Texas, Nasser addressed the critical need for a more realistic and inclusive energy strategy, warning that the current model—focusing predominantly on renewable energy while imposing strict regulations on traditional energy—has proven ineffective and unsustainable.
Nasser pointed out the flaws of the prevailing energy transition strategy, emphasizing that the push to phase out traditional energy sources too rapidly could result in severe consequences for global energy stability. According to Nasser, if the current approach persists, the world would need to invest an additional $6 to $8 trillion annually to meet energy demands and transition to renewables. He cautioned that such financial burdens, coupled with an unrealistic transition timeline, could lead to a precarious future for global energy security.
“The biggest illusion about the energy transition is the belief that traditional energy can be phased out overnight,” Nasser remarked. “Traditional sources still account for over 80% of energy supply in the United States, about 90% in China, and more than 70% in the European Union. New energy sources do not replace traditional ones; they complement them. Moreover, these new energy sources are not yet capable of meeting the growing demand for energy worldwide. By discarding effective traditional energy sources in such an irrational manner, we are heading down a dangerous path—a fast track to a dystopian future filled with energy crises and economic hardship.”
The CERAWeek conference, an annual gathering of energy industry leaders, government officials, and policymakers, has become one of the most significant platforms for discussing energy security, supply chains, climate policy, and technological advancements in sustainability. The 2025 edition, themed “Moving Ahead: Energy Strategies for a Complex World,” has attracted over 10,000 participants from more than 2,050 companies across 80 countries, featuring over 1,400 expert speakers. The conference serves as a vital forum for shaping the global discourse on energy and sustainability, with leaders like Nasser calling for more balanced and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of energy transition.
Nasser’s remarks reflect the growing need for a nuanced approach to energy policy that considers the realities of global energy demands, the capabilities of current technologies, and the urgency of climate action. As global leaders, energy experts, and industry executives continue to debate the future of energy, Nasser’s call for a more inclusive and balanced energy strategy serves as a critical reminder of the need for a pragmatic path forward—one that does not sacrifice energy security in pursuit of lofty ideals but instead works to integrate the strengths of both traditional and renewable energy systems.