Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers, co-chair of the host committee, talked up clean energy in remarks Thursday before the Democratic National Convention.

The grandfather of eight said the nation must be able to pass the “grandchildren test” in making decisions that will affect future generations.

“One way we can make this world a better place for our grandkids is to lay the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he said. “Among other things, that means taking a long-term approach toward energy policy – because these decisions should not be made in four-year election cycles.”

He endorsed President Barack Obama’s “all of the above” energy strategy, which embraces nuclear power as well as wind and solar energy.

Duke has been a target of critics for its prominent support of a convention that refused corporate contributions. Rogers was in charge of raising nearly $37 million; Duke underwrote a $10 million line of credit for the DNC.

Greenpeace and other groups, meanwhile, this week protested Duke’s donations to the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council. And they call Rogers insincere for talking up clean energy while building coal-fired power plants.