Top Energy Types Powering AI (and Worth Investing In)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now—from the tools we use at work to the way we shop, search, and scroll. But what most people don’t think about is how much energy it takes to power all that smart technology. Behind every AI chatbot, facial recognition tool, or self-driving car is a powerful data center running 24/7—and those centers need a lot of electricity. That’s why the energy industry that supports AI is becoming one of the most exciting new places to invest.

As AI keeps growing, so will the demand for clean, reliable, and high-powered energy sources. Companies that produce nuclear energy, solar power, natural gas, and even battery storage are stepping in to meet that need—and that’s opening up new investment opportunities for everyday people like you. If you’ve been looking for a fresh way to grow your money and get ahead of a major tech trend, this is a sector to watch. Let’s break down why energy and AI are the new power couple—and how you can invest with as little or as much as you’re comfortable with.

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1. Nuclear Energy

• Why: Provides massive, steady baseload power with zero carbon emissions—ideal for 24/7 data center uptime.

• Investment Types:

  • Utility companies with nuclear plants (e.g., Constellation Energy)

  • Nuclear tech developers (e.g., BWX Technologies, NuScale Power for small modular reactors)

  • Uranium producers (e.g., Cameco, Uranium Energy Corp)

2. Renewables (Solar & Wind)

• Why: AI companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta commit to green energy. Long-term data center deals often include renewable energy contracts.

• Investment Types:

  • Solar: First Solar, Enphase Energy

  • Wind: Orsted, Vestas

  • ETFs: ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy), TAN (Invesco Solar)

3. Natural Gas

• Why: Acts as a “bridge” fuel for AI’s growing power needs when renewables fall short.

• Investment Types:

  • Producers: Chesapeake Energy, EQT Corp

  • LNG exporters: Cheniere Energy (AI expansion is global, and power demand in Asia is rising)

4. Battery Storage & Grid Infrastructure

• Why: AI workloads require reliable power; batteries help smooth out renewable intermittency.

• Investment Types:

  • Battery tech: Tesla (energy division), Fluence, Stem Inc.

  • Smart grids: Schneider Electric, Eaton

5. Hydroelectric & Geothermal (Niche)

• Why: Reliable, clean, and constant—valuable in places like Iceland or the Pacific Northwest where data centers are co-located.

• Investment Types:

  • Hydro-heavy utilities: Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP)

  • Geothermal: Ormat Technologies

🔍 Bonus: Invest in Companies Buying the Energy

Major AI firms are striking direct deals with energy providers:

• Microsoft and OpenAI are building nuclear-powered AI infrastructure.

• Amazon AWS is among the world’s largest corporate buyers of renewables.

• Google is investing in geothermal energy through Fervo Energy.

So, investing in clean energy developers, energy-rich utilities, or infrastructure REITs with high-tech tenants (e.g., Digital Realty, Equinix) is another smart play.

Read my Smart Guide to REIT’s here!

💼 Portfolio Strategy Tip

Diversify with a mix of:

• Growth (e.g., battery tech, solar innovators)

• Income (e.g., utility stocks, energy infrastructure REITs)

• ETFs: For exposure without picking individual winners

For even more info on the AI landscape to break it down further, check out my post on How to Get Into Investing in AI here!