Energy Stocks for the AI-Powered Future: 5 High-Potential Picks for $1,000 Investors

The artificial intelligence revolution is reshaping global energy demand, creating a surge in electricity and water consumption driven by data centers and high-performance computing. By 2030, U.S. data centers alone could consume 426 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, a 133% increase from 2024 levels, while global water use for cooling is projected to reach 450 million gallons per day. This energy boom, however, is not a fleeting trend but a structural shift. Investors seeking long-term growth must align with companies addressing both the demand and sustainability challenges of this AI-driven era. Below are five energy stocks poised to benefit from this transformation.

1. Vistra Corp. (Vistra)

Vistra Corp. is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the AI energy boom through its diversified power generation portfolio and strategic investments in nuclear energy. In Q3 2025, the company reported a net income of $652 million and narrowed its 2025 guidance for adjusted EBITDA to $5.7–5.9 billion, while initiating 2026 guidance. Its 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for 1,200 megawatts from the Comanche Peak nuclear plant in Texas underscores its commitment to low-carbon energy solutions for data centers according to UBS analysis. Additionally, Vistra plans to build two new natural gas units in West Texas, addressing short-term energy needs while transitioning toward cleaner baseload power. With AI-driven demand tripling peak electricity requirements in some regions, Vistra's hybrid model of gas and nuclear generation offers both scalability and regulatory alignment.

2. Oklo Inc. (Oklo)

Oklo is pioneering small modular reactors (SMRs) to decarbonize AI infrastructure. The company submitted a custom combined license application for its advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2025, a critical step toward commercial deployment. While third-quarter financials were not disclosed, Oklo's progress in fast fission technology and nuclear fuel recycling positions it as a key player in the AI energy transition. SMRs like Oklo's Aurora reactor, capable of producing 75 megawatts, are ideal for powering data centers in grid-constrained regions. As governments and corporations prioritize carbon-free energy, Oklo's regulatory milestones and partnerships with tech giants could unlock significant valuation upside.

3. NuScale Power (NuScale)

NuScale Power's modular nuclear reactors are gaining traction in the AI energy landscape. In Q3 2025, the company reported increased revenue and strengthened liquidity through capital market activities. Its collaboration with ENTRA1 Energy and the Fluor-led design study for Romania's RoPower Doicești plant highlight its global expansion potential. NuScale's 77-megawatt modules offer scalable, reliable power for data centers, aligning with the industry's need for 75–100 gigawatts of new U.S. electricity capacity by 2030. With AI demand driving a $7 trillion global data center infrastructure investment by 2030, NuScale's SMR technology is well-positioned to capture a growing share of this market.

4. Constellation Energy (CEG)

Constellation Energy's nuclear fleet is a cornerstone of its strategy to meet AI-driven energy needs. In Q3 2025, the company reported adjusted operating earnings of $3.04 per share, up from $2.74 in Q3 2024, despite rising operating expenses. Its narrowed 2025 guidance of $9.05–9.45 per share reflects confidence in nuclear operations and grid modernization. As AI data centers strain existing infrastructure, Constellation's focus on nuclear and renewable energy-coupled with its role in U.S. government initiatives to restart coal plants and expand nuclear capacity-positions it as a resilient long-term play.

5. BWX Technologies (BWXT)

BWX Technologies is a critical supplier of nuclear components and services, benefiting from the AI energy boom's demand for reactor upgrades and SMRs. In Q3 2025, BWXT reported a 29% revenue increase to $866.3 million and raised its 2025 non-GAAP EPS guidance to $3.75–3.80. The company's expertise in nuclear fuel and reactor components aligns with the global push for SMRs and grid decarbonization. With AI infrastructure requiring 75–100 gigawatts of new U.S. electricity capacity by 2030, BWXT's role in enabling next-generation nuclear power makes it a high-conviction pick for investors.

Conclusion

The AI revolution is not just a technological shift but an energy imperative. While the environmental challenges of data centers are significant, the transition to nuclear and SMR technologies offers a sustainable path forward. The five stocks above-Vistra, Oklo, NuScale, Constellation, and BWXT-represent a diversified portfolio addressing both the immediate and long-term energy needs of the AI era. For the $1,000 investor, these picks combine growth potential with strategic alignment to the energy demands of the future.