In this piece, we will shed light on the 10 Best AI Energy Stocks to Buy in 2026.
On April 10, 2026, Reuters reported that U.S. utility stocks delivered their strongest start to a year since 2019. This comes as investors shift toward defensive exposure during the Iran war, while also positioning for rising electricity demand linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure. In addition to utility stocks’ traditional role as lower-volatility, dividend-paying defensive investments, these stocks are benefiting from a structural shift in demand.
LSEG data showed the S&P 500 Utilities Index rose 7.5% in the first quarter, while the broader S&P 500 declined 4.6% over the same period, pressured by inflation concerns amid higher energy prices.
Reuters highlighted that major technology companies are building large-scale data centers to enhance their AI expansion, driving a surge in power needs. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, electricity demand from data centers could rise more than fourfold by the end of the decade, potentially accounting for up to 17% of total U.S. electricity consumption.
In an interview with Reuters, Gerry Sparrow of Sparrow Capital Management highlighted demand tied to data centers from Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Oracle, which is already influencing individual utility stocks. Even if a U.S.-Iran ceasefire shifts some investor expectations back toward cyclical sectors, Reuters indicated that utility companies with direct exposure to AI-related data center expansion are likely to continue attracting investor interest. Among these companies are American Electric, Dominion Energy, NextEra Energy, Xcel Energy, and Duke Energy.
Gerry Sparrow, president at Sparrow Capital Management, said:
“I read a few recent quarterly calls from some of the utility companies and the big drivers are the data centers and the increased electricity demand, which is crowding out other interests. The data center demand is coming from technology companies — in particular Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Oracle, with their capital budgets that include data center buildout for AI. So that’s some of the stuff that’s moving the market around, especially around individual utility companies.”
Methodology
To curate our list of the 10 best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026, we scanned across screeners and financial media to identify AI energy stocks. We define these stocks as ones that either directly supply electricity to AI data centers or deliver the AI infrastructure and fuel systems required to support AI-driven power demand.
Our final list includes only stocks with robust analyst and hedge fund support. To assess hedge fund sentiment, we relied on Insider Monkey’s hedge fund database, which tracks over 1,000 hedge funds as of Q4 2025. Our final list is ranked in ascending order based on their potential share price upside.
Note: All data was extracted as of April 9, 2026.
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10. EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT)
EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) features in our list of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
As of April 9, 2026, analyst sentiment around EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) remains bullish, with 69% of the covering analysts maintaining “Buy” ratings on the stock. Meanwhile, the consensus price target of $70.00 implies an upside potential of 16.32%.
On March 27, 2026, BMO Capital analyst Phillip Jungwirth raised EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT)’s price target to $76 from $68 while keeping an “Outperform” rating, emphasizing that the company is well-positioned to produce outsized free cash flow in the quarter following strong operational performance.
BMO noted that the company’s integrated midstream platform and marketing capabilities are expected to enable it to take advantage of pricing dislocations, while ongoing strength in in-basin demand and takeaway projects provides additional optionality for growth and improved differentials.
This development was further supported by a pair of bullish analyst calls earlier in the month.
On March 23, 2026, Truist initiated coverage on EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) with a “Buy” rating and a $74 price target, emphasizing the company’s scale and high-quality asset base. Moreover, as part of its Q1 earnings preview on March 17, 2026, JPMorgan updated its strip pricing model and increased its price target from $68 to $72, while maintaining an “Overweight” rating.
EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) is a natural gas production company involved in the provision of supply, transmission, and distribution of natural gas.
9. Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX)
Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) is one of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
As of April 9, 2026, analyst sentiment around Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) remains strong, with 83% of the covering analysts maintaining “Buy” ratings on the stock. The consensus price target of $239 implies an upside potential of 17.07%.
Following a meeting with management, Barclays increased its price target for Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) from $237 to $245 while keeping an “Overweight” rating on March 23, 2026. According to the bank, the company’s organic investments and portfolio adjustments keep it well-positioned for stronger sales growth throughout the remainder of the decade. Additionally, the call supports a longer-term execution narrative, indicating Barclays’ expectations that Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) will emerge from its portfolio restructuring with a more robust growth base rather than only depending on a cyclical comeback.
Regal Rexnord’s discussion of the leadership change supported the positive sentiment.
On March 16, 2026, Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) noted progress in the company’s CEO succession process, stating that its board had identified several highly competent candidates and decided to keep CEO Louis Pinkham in the role under the earlier agreement. Back on October 29, 2025, CEO Louis Pinkham decided to remain in position until June 30, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
The extension will benefit Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) by helping it maintain consistency as it focuses more on execution, expansion, and achieving another strong year.
Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) is a company that manufactures and provides engineered solutions for powering, transmitting, and controlling motion across various industries. It produces electric motors, power transmission components, and automation controls, serving markets including industrial, commercial, aerospace, and energy.
8. SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC)
SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC) features in our list of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
As of April 9, 2026, analyst sentiment around SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC) remains bullish, with 93% of the covering analysts maintaining “Buy” ratings on the stock. The consensus price target of $262.50 implies an upside potential of 23.69%.
However, the stock drew a note of caution from Wells Fargo and a sense of optimism from Truist.
On April 1, 2026, Wells Fargo analyst Joseph O’Dea reduced SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC)’s price target to $225 from $270, while keeping an “Overweight” rating. This move reflects a more cautious near-term backdrop as industrial optimism is clouded by a new layer of geopolitical uncertainty. The firm warned that, similar to how tariffs postponed a PMI recovery last year, another source of uncertainty could keep sentiment muted until visibility improves, even though the company’s recent catch-up call did not indicate an increased level of caution directly linked to the Middle East situation.
Meanwhile, on March 27, 2026, Truist analyst Jamie Cook upgraded SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC) from “Hold” to “Buy” with an unchanged $244 price target, claiming the stock offers the best of both worlds for investors.
According to Truist, SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC) may provide above-average organic sales and earnings growth in an upcycle driven by secular demand linked to data centers, while also acting as a safer haven if the Iran crisis continues. The firm noted that SPX Technologies (NYSE:SPXC)’s shares had declined 18% since February 24, calling it a compelling buying point.
SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC) is a global supplier of engineered infrastructure equipment. With a focus on technologically advanced offerings that improve energy efficiency and infrastructure performance, they cater to various markets such as detection, measurement, and heating, ventilation & cooling (HVAC).
7. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) is one of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
As of April 9, 2026, analyst sentiment around Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) remains bullish, with more than 85% of the covering analysts maintaining “Buy” ratings on the stock. The consensus price target of $388 implies an upside potential of 36.49%.
On April 6, 2026, Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella increased Constellation Energy Corporation’s (NASDAQ:CEG) price target to $360 from $356 while keeping an “Overweight” rating, following Constellation Energy’s 2026 outlook. He claimed that expectations regarding the company’s financial outlook and incremental contracting are lower than before. However, the stock has also declined, which implies that much of the pessimism is already priced in.
Barclays added that it continues to see a conservative path of $19 per share in earnings by 2029, suggesting the recent pullback reflects softer near-term sentiment rather than a deterioration in the long-term earnings trajectory.
This measured optimism came amid a weaker analyst reaction to Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)’s financial update.
On April 2, 2026, BMO Capital lowered its price target on Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) to $368 from $410 while maintaining an “Outperform” rating, noting that investors were disappointed by the absence of new long-term, above-market, large-load contracts in the update.
BMO also highlighted that the Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG)’s implied 2029 EPS range of $16.29 to $18.31 fell below consensus and buy-side expectations. However, the firm expressed growing confidence in management’s execution above that initial range as upside opportunities materialize.
Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) generates, supplies, and markets clean electricity, as well as renewable energy products and solutions. The company also provides wholesale energy, retail products, and services.
6. Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN)
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) features in our list of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
As of April 9, 2026, analyst sentiment around Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) remains bullish, with 94% of the covering analysts maintaining “Buy” ratings on the stock. The consensus price target of $463 implies an upside potential of 40.88%.
On March 19, 2026, JPMorgan analyst Jeremy Tonet lowered Talen Energy’s price target to $421 from $448 while maintaining an “Overweight” rating after updating the firm’s model following the Company’s fourth-quarter report. The revision reflects a more tempered valuation outlook.
On the same day, Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) signed a letter of intent with X-energy Reactor Company to evaluate the installation of Xe-100 small modular reactors in Pennsylvania and across the PJM Interconnection market. This development immediately linked the company to the expanding baseload demand from manufacturing, data centers, and wider electrification.
The companies plan to assess the development of three or more four-unit Xe-100 plants, along with conducting site evaluations, feasibility studies, and establishing a project execution framework.
The Xe-100, an 80-megawatt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor from X-energy, is installable in groups of four to twelve reactors, each of which can go online on its own. Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) presented the development as part of an all-of-the-above supply strategy. Talen operates approximately 13.1 gigawatts of U.S. power infrastructure, including 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear capacity.
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) operates power infrastructure. The company produces and sells electricity, capacity, and ancillary services into wholesale power markets via its subsidiaries.
5. Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC)
Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC) is one of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
Photo by Frédéric Paulussen on Unsplash
On April 9, 2026, Susquehanna updated estimates and price targets for its alternative energy coverage ahead of first-quarter earnings. As part of that, the firm lowered its price target for Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC) from $27 to $23 while maintaining a “Positive” rating. Despite expectations being revised prior to results, this development reflects positive sentiment toward the stock.
On March 30, 2026, Needham initiated coverage of Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC) with a “Hold” rating (without a price target), noting that while the company remains a leading pure-play grid-scale storage integrator, its early-mover advantage in domestic cell sourcing could diminish over the next 12 to 24 months as EV-to-BESS capacity conversions expand U.S. supply.
Needham also highlighted increasing execution risk as additional competitors enter the market.
Meanwhile, on March 19, 2026, Guggenheim upgraded Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC) to “Neutral” from “Sell” with no price target, following a recent discussion with the CEO that focused on continued growth and improving profitability. The firm noted that the stock’s 51% decline since February 3, combined with a modestly improved outlook on the company’s competitive positioning, has brought valuation back to a more reasonable level.
Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLNC) develops battery-based energy storage systems that leverage advanced lithium-ion technology to support EV battery supply chains and grid integration, enabling renewable energy storage and efficient power management.
4. Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV)
Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV) features in our list of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
On April 9, 2026, Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV) announced that it would enter Japan through a binding agreement, acquiring an 850 MW battery energy storage system project pipeline from a domestic developer. The move provides the company with an immediate entry into one of the fastest-growing storage markets among developed economies.
The portfolio includes 350 MW of advanced-stage projects, expected to begin construction in the second half of 2027 and reach commercial operation in the second half of 2028, along with 500 MW of early-stage projects, expanding the company’s multi-year pipeline.
Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV) highlighted that the transaction also adds an established local team, bringing expertise in land rights, permitting, and utility interconnections as Japan’s storage market expands amid grid constraints, increasing renewable penetration, and a projected BESS capacity CAGR of over 50%.
Additionally, Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV) expects to combine this local presence with its VaultOS energy management software, B-VAULT AC platform, and technology-agnostic battery strategy, including sodium-ion commercialization initiatives. It added that its global portfolio now exceeds 1 GW under operation or construction and is expected to generate more than $180 million in recurring annual EBITDA once fully built out.
Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:NRGV) develops, deploys, and operates utility-scale energy storage systems. Its offerings include battery, gravity, and green hydrogen storage technologies, supported by an energy management software and integration platform for utilities, independent power producers, and large industrial users.
3. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST)
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is one of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
On April 8, 2026, Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) announced the pricing of a $4 billion private offering of senior notes. These bonds, offered across four maturities, will extend the company’s debt ladder, allowing it to avoid having too much debt coming due at one time.
Furthermore, the offering will help Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) raise capital to refinance obligations and support broader corporate needs. Management also said it will use proceeds to repay or redeem existing debt, including its senior notes due 2027 and/or Term Loan B-3 Facility. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close on April 22, 2026.
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST)’s offering consists of $500 million of 2028 notes, priced at 99.9% of face value with a 4.55% coupon, and $1 billion of 2031 notes, priced at 99.99% with a 5% coupon. Meanwhile, $1 billion of 2033 notes are priced at 99.813% with a 5.25% coupon, while $1.5 billion of 2035 notes are priced at 99.823% with a 5.55% coupon.
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is a Fortune 500 integrated U.S. energy company based in Irving, Texas, that generates and sells electricity through a diverse portfolio of gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery storage assets, and provides retail power to millions of customers nationwide.
2. Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE)
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE) features in our list of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE) announced on April 9, 2026, that it anticipates preliminary first-quarter 2026 revenue of $56 million to $57 million, citing record manufacturing output and shipments as evidence of ongoing progress in scaling operations.
The update, according to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE), was intended to provide visibility following its most recent earnings report. Management reported improved manufacturing consistency and continuous operational improvement in its preliminary report.
Additionally, Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE)’s Bipolar production increased 10.6%, battery output jumped 10.4%, and first-quarter shipments increased 17% sequentially. Bipolar automation yield improved 22% from the previous quarter, indicating higher process stability. Compared to AC-coupled projects, which may involve additional equipment sales based on client configuration, the revenue mix was more skewed toward DC system projects.
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE) also highlighted that it has completed Factory Acceptance Testing for Line 2, its second battery production line, with initial production expected to begin by the end of the second quarter.
Moreover, Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE) added that the new line is designed to enhance efficiency, including an approximately 86% reduction in raw material travel distance and an approximately 40% shorter battery line layout.
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:EOSE) is engaged in designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing energy storage solutions for utility-scale, microgrid, and commercial as well as industrial applications.
1. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO)
Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) is one of the best AI energy stocks to buy in 2026.
Analyst sentiment surrounding Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) remains robust, as the stock enjoys the confidence of approximately 70% of covering analysts. The $90 consensus price target implies over 80% upside.
On March 26, 2026, UBS reduced its price target for Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) from $95 to $60 while maintaining a “Neutral” rating. UBS stated that while it remains cautiously optimistic about U.S. nuclear development, there are concerns about the required capital for project development, as well as potential delays and cost overruns. As developers go from concept and licensing work to execution-heavy phases, the update emphasizes a more measured approach.
That caution was followed by two target cuts on March 18, 2026, after the company’s fourth-quarter results were announced.
Citing advancements in the company’s power, fuel, and isotope businesses, including DOE approvals linked to its first Aurora plant at Idaho National Laboratory, a prepayment agreement with Meta for up to 1.2 GW in Ohio, initial fuel facility construction, and milestones supporting Atomic Alchemy’s isotope operations, B. Riley reduced Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO)’s price target to $92 from $129 but maintained a “Buy” rating.
Despite post-quarter liquidity increasing to approximately $2.6 billion, Goldman Sachs also reduced its price target on Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) to $65 from $91, assigning a “Neutral” rating on the stock, pointing to higher-than-expected guidance for fourth-quarter operating expenses and a projected 2026 investing cash use of $350 million to $450 million.
Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) is an advanced nuclear technology company developing fast fission power plants, isotope production capabilities, and nuclear fuel recycling technologies.
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