The Energy Sector Will Benefit From the AI Boom: Stocks to Watch
Shane Neagle
The AI boom is causing a dramatic increase in electricity demand, projected to grow by 160% by 2030, creating a bottleneck that impacts energy markets. This surge offers significant opportunities for energy companies like ExxonMobil, NextEra Energy, and Cheniere Energy, which are well-positioned to benefit from this trend as AI's growth strains the existing electrical grid.
In response to the energy bottleneck, the Trump administration plans to introduce executive orders to facilitate AI infrastructure, using federal resources to address grid connection delays and offering federal land for data centers. This strategic shift in energy policy highlights the government's commitment to advancing AI and emphasizes the critical need for immediate action to meet the rising power demands.
Natural gas companies, notably ExxonMobil and Cheniere Energy, are expected to reap substantial benefits from the AI-driven power requirements due to their ability to rapidly expand capacity. Meanwhile, NextEra Energy stands out with its significant investments in both natural gas and renewable energy, positioning itself for both immediate and sustainable growth opportunities.
The energy bottleneck linked to AI could delay AI developments while boosting energy sector growth since energy supply now surpasses chip availability as a key constraint. With major investments needed in power plants and transmission networks, the gap between AI's power consumption and supply capacity presents a lasting opportunity for energy companies to capitalize on.
As investors seek substantial returns, the focus shifts from AI-driven tech stocks to energy companies that underpin AI growth. This structural change in the investment landscape reinforces the energy sector's potential for long-term value creation amid persistent supply-demand imbalances in electricity to support AI expansion.