3 Ways Regular Investors Can Invest In the AI Energy Boom (Without Picking Startups)
The artificial intelligence spending boom has shown few signs of slowing down in 2026, as companies continue to invest in massive data centers needed to house and power the technology.
Spending on global data center infrastructure is expected to reach around $7 trillion by 2030, according to Zacks Investment Research. Roughly $1.3 trillion of that money is earmarked for energy needs.
A wide range of companies are angling for a piece of the $1 trillion-plus AI/energy business. One of them is X-Energy Inc., a former venture capital startup that specializes in nuclear energy technology.
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X-Energy recently made headlines by raising $1.02 billion in an “upsized” initial public offering that priced above the marketed range, Bloomberg reported. You can expect more startups to enter the space, drawing interest from VC firms and other high-dollar investors.
But what if you want exposure to the AI energy boom without picking startups?
Below are three non-startup options available to regular investors.
Established Energy Companies
Here are three large- or mega-cap energy firms with strong ties to AI energy generation.
Constellation Energy (CEG): The country’s biggest nuclear operator recently signed a partnership with Microsoft to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear facility, which will supply power to data centers. The deal focuses on providing carbon-free electricity with a focus on AI, according to Wall Street 24/7.
GE Vernova (GEV): This is another big nuclear player with a growing presence in AI. While GEV benefits greatly from AI energy demand, its stock price might be on the high side, according to TipRanks.
Williams Companies (WMB): Willams operates a major natural gas network, which makes it a key player in providing energy to AI data centers. As Reuters reported, the Oklahoma-based company is stepping up natural gas production for data-center clients.
Utilities
These three mainstream utilities have also become major players in the AI power space.
NextEra Energy (NEE): NextEra ranks as the largest U.S. electricity company, with a market cap of about $200 billion, according to Yahoo! Finance. It recently announced plans to increase production capacity by 15 to 30 gigawatts for U.S. data centers over the next nine years, Reuters reported. The Florida-based company is also partnering with Google parent Alphabet to create carbon-free power for Google’s AI operations, according to Zacks Investment Research.
Duke Energy (DUK): This North Carolina-based utility is striding fully into providing power for AI-demanded energy, Zacks reported. Duke plans to bring more than 13 gigawatts (GW) online through 2030.
Dominion Energy (D): Headquartered in Virginia, Dominion supplies energy to Northern Virginia's "Data Center Alley," which ranks as the world's largest data center hub.
AI/Energy-Related ETFs
These ETFs were cited by ETF.com as being in the best position to benefit from the AI power demand boom.
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO): AIPO "focuses on companies tied to electrical infrastructure, power generation and data center energy systems."
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU): This fund's focus is on the larger U.S. utilities. Among its current growth drivers are "long-term power purchase agreements with tech firms."
Global X Uranium ETF (URA): ETF.com picks URA as top nuclear energy pick, focusing on uranium miners and nuclear fuel supply chains.
First Trust Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure ETF (GRID): This fund concerns itself with the transmission and distribution of energy. It "includes companies involved in smart grid technology, grid equipment and components and electrification infrastructure."
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES): ACES gives investors exposure to renewable energy firms that are “increasingly tied to data center growth,” according to ETF.com.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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