Energy Stocks Powering the AI Revolution in 2026: Under-the-Radar Infrastructure Plays Addressing Data Center Power Constraints

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is reshaping global energy demand, with data centers and high-performance computing driving unprecedented electricity consumption. As the U.S. power grid struggles to keep pace, under-the-radar energy infrastructure plays are emerging as critical enablers of this transformation. Two companies-New Fortress Energy and Nano Nuclear Energy-are positioning themselves at the intersection of AI-driven demand and innovative energy solutions, leveraging regulatory tailwinds and capital inflows to address power constraints.

New Fortress Energy: LNG as a Bridge to Grid Stability

New Fortress Energy (NFE) has long been a controversial player in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, but its recent $3.2 billion Puerto Rico Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) could redefine its trajectory. According to a report by Marketwire News, the company received final approval for a seven-year contract to supply 75 TBtu of natural gas to Puerto Rico's power authority, a deal that could stabilize its cash flow amid a $557 million Q2 2025 net loss and a $293.4 million Q3 2025 net loss.

This agreement is more than a financial lifeline-it aligns with broader energy transition goals. Natural gas, while not carbon-neutral, offers a lower-emission alternative to coal and diesel, making it a pragmatic bridge fuel for regions like Puerto Rico, which face grid reliability challenges according to the report. As AI workloads and data center expansion strain power systems nationwide, New Fortress's LNG infrastructure could play a pivotal role in supporting cleaner, more resilient energy generation. However, the company's reliance on a single large contract and its history of operational losses remain significant risks.

Nano Nuclear Energy: Microreactors for Decentralized Power Solutions

Nano Nuclear Energy (NANO) is taking a radically different approach to the AI energy challenge. The company's KRONOS MMR™ microreactor system, a compact, modular nuclear solution, is advancing through regulatory pipelines in the U.S. and Canada. As stated in its fiscal year 2025 business update, NANO submitted a Fuel Qualification Methodology Topical Report to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and completed site characterization work for a construction permit application in early 2026. In Canada, the KRONOS MMR™ became the first microreactor to enter Phase 1 licensing with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), a milestone that underscores its potential for rapid deployment.

The strategic value of microreactors lies in their ability to provide decentralized, zero-emission power to remote or grid-constrained locations-a critical need for data centers and AI hubs in regions with aging infrastructure. NANO's financial position further strengthens its case: post-2025, the company raised over $600 million from institutional investors, swelling its cash reserves to $580 million. This capital infusion positions it to accelerate prototype construction and secure partnerships with tech firms or utilities seeking reliable power solutions. Yet, the path to commercialization remains fraught with regulatory delays and public perception hurdles, which could slow deployment timelines.

Strategic Positioning Amid AI-Driven Energy Demand

Both companies are capitalizing on a key trend: the U.S. power system's struggle to meet surging demand. analysis, electricity consumption is hitting record highs due to AI workloads and data center expansion, while grid constraints limit the ability to scale renewable energy sources. New Fortress's LNG infrastructure offers a near-term solution for grid stability, while Nano Nuclear's microreactors represent a long-term, zero-emission alternative.

However, their risk profiles differ. New Fortress's Puerto Rico deal, while transformative, hinges on a single contract and exposes the company to geopolitical and operational volatility. Nano Nuclear, meanwhile, faces the inherent uncertainties of nuclear regulation but benefits from a robust cash position and first-mover status in microreactor licensing.

Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Pragmatism

For investors seeking exposure to the AI-driven energy transition, both New Fortress Energy and Nano Nuclear Energy present compelling, albeit distinct, opportunities. New Fortress offers a pragmatic, albeit controversial, bridge to grid resilience through LNG, while Nano Nuclear pioneers a disruptive technology with the potential to redefine decentralized power generation. As the energy sector grapples with the dual pressures of decarbonization and scalability, these under-the-radar plays could emerge as linchpins of the AI era-provided they navigate regulatory and financial headwinds effectively.