Top 20 Best Energy Stocks to Buy Now — Explore our top picks across oil & gas, natural gas, renewables, nuclear, and infrastructure. Friendly, in-depth insights with real-world examples, FAQs, and expert guidance to help you invest confidently in 2025.
What are AI stocks?
AI stocks refer to shares of companies that either operate directly in the artificial intelligence space or integrate AI heavily into their products and services. Because AI technology has a wide range of applications—from voice recognition software to autonomous aircraft—AI stocks come in many forms and across various industries.
According to Haydar Haba, founder of the venture capital firm Andra Capital, numerous publicly traded companies have strong AI interests and stand to gain significantly as the AI industry grows.
Generally, AI stocks fall into two main categories:
- Large, established tech companies (blue chips) that are investing in or partnering with AI developers.
- Smaller, emerging companies that are entirely focused on creating AI technologies.
While smaller firms might seem like the purest way to invest in AI, they aren’t always the most practical choice. Michael Brenner, an AI research analyst at FBB Capital Partners, explains that building large-scale AI models—such as large language models—requires massive data sets and significant capital.
“Smaller companies may innovate with new models,” Brenner says, “but they’ll eventually need to team up with a larger tech firm that has the infrastructure to scale and commercialize those models.”
Because of this, Brenner notes that FBB Capital Partners prefers to invest in mega-cap tech companies with deep pockets and the infrastructure to lead the AI space forward.
Top 20 Best Energy Stocks to Buy Now
The energy sector in mid‑2025 is undergoing a dynamic transformation. With rising demand for traditional fuels, growing utility needs, and an accelerating shift to clean and nuclear energy, there’s a rich landscape of opportunities for investors. Whether you’re after stable dividends, capital growth, or ESG-focused exposure, the following 20 stocks offer a thoughtful blend across the energy spectrum.
1. ExxonMobil (XOM)
Why it’s a top pick:
A global oil & gas juggernaut with high dividend yield (~3.3%), strong cash flow, and a strategic low-carbon pivot.
Example:
Exxon’s “Low Carbon Solutions” division—backed by a $15 billion commitment and its Denbury CCS unit—underscores a serious move into hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon capture (Morningstar, Wikipedia).
2. Chevron (CVX)
Why it’s a top pick:
Robust balance sheet, conservative management, and a ~3.8% dividend yield. Diversifying into hydrogen, biofuels, and renewables.
Example:
Its Guyana and Kazakhstan upstream projects continue to provide steady cash flow .
3. ConocoPhillips (COP)
Why it’s a top pick:
Lean, efficient and with significant footholds in the Permian Basin. Beneficiary of steady oil prices and low-cost production.
Example:
The acquisition of Shell’s Permian assets drives output and strengthens margins .
4. EQT Corporation (EQT)
Why it’s a top pick:
America’s largest natural gas producer, with midstream exposure to hedged, fee-based earnings—gas is the dominant fuel of the energy transition
5. Enbridge (ENB) (via Fool.com)
Why it’s a top pick:
A top pipeline-focused utility with dependable dividends and steady cash flow monitoring gas/oil flows .
6. Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)
Why it’s a top pick:
Midstream powerhouse earning stable fee-based income; ideal for investors seeking reliable distribution income .
7. Targa Resources (TRGP)
Why it’s a top pick:
Natural gas and NGL specialist with rising demand from global LNG exports. Cited as a bullish midstream play.
8. Cheniere Energy (LNG)
Why it’s a top pick:
U.S. LNG export pioneer perfectly positioned to serve Europe and Asia’s gas demand .
9. Schlumberger (SLB)
Why it’s a top pick:
Essential oilfield service firm benefiting from increased drilling as higher commodity prices spur CAPEX .
10. Baker Hughes (BKR)
Why it’s a top pick:
Diversified services firm in fossil, carbon capture, and hydrogen solutions—named among 3 stocks “crushing” the market .
11. NextEra Energy (NEE)
Why it’s a top pick:
World’s largest wind & solar operator with stable utility earnings (~58 GW capacity, ~41% fossil) and strong dividend growth (Wikipedia).
12. First Solar (FSLR)
Why it’s a top pick:
Leading U.S. solar panel maker with strong order backlog and clean-energy expansion (SG Analytics).
13. Nextracker (NXT)
Why it’s a top pick:
Solar tracker specialist with recent technical breakout and ~80% YTD growth .
14. Enphase Energy (ENPH)
Why it’s a top pick:
Top residential solar microinverter/battery installer—though recently volatile from policy headwinds .
15. Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP)
Why it’s a top pick:
Diversified hydropower, wind, and solar global asset base with a solid ~5% yield .
16. Ørsted (ORSTED)
Why it’s a top pick:
Global offshore wind leader, operating ~30% of global capacity and aiming for near-zero carbon power by 2025 .
17. Enel Green Power (ENEL)
Why it’s a top pick:
Italian utility’s clean-energy subsidiary with 66 GW renewables and global green hydrogen R&D .
18. AES Corporation (AES)
Why it’s a top pick:
Utility transitioning toward renewables—recent sale interest hints at undervalued upside; backed by power deals with tech giants .
19. Bloom Energy (BE)
Why it’s a top pick:
Fuel-cell leader set to benefit from renewed U.S. tax-credit incentives in 2026, named a “big bump” stock (Barron’s).
20. Nuclear & Uranium Plays (Oklo, BWX, Centrus, Constellation Energy)
Why it’s a top pick:
A “nuclear renaissance” is underway, spurred by recent U.S. policy. SMR start-ups like Oklo have surged, while defense-facing BWX and uranium Centrus are gaining momentum (Investors).
Why Invest in These 20 Energy Stocks Now
- Natural gas & LNG boom—EQT, TRGP, CHK, ENB benefit from strong midstream fundamentals (nasdaq.com).
- Renewable tailwinds—Policy support fuels growth for NEE, NXT, FSLR, BEP, ORSTED, ENEL.
- Nuclear resurgence—Federal action accelerates SMR and enrichment plays.
- Tech-enhanced extraction—SLB, BKR enable better fossil returns aligned with transition needs.
- Income + growth balance—Using a mix of dividend payers and high-growth names lets investors manage both yield and upside.
Risks to Watch
- Commodity price volatility (oil/gas fluctuations).
- Policy shifts—Clean energy subsidies or nuclear support may change.
- Execution risk—Tech rollouts (e.g., Oklo, Bloom) may underdeliver.
- Natural disasters and supply-chain delays can stall renewable projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Should I balance fossil and clean energy?
Yes. A diverse portfolio spanning traditional energy (like XOM, COP) and clean innovators (like NEE, FSLR) balances income and ESG growth.
Q2: Are midstream stocks safe?
Generally, yes. Firms like ENB, EPD, TRGP earn fee-based revenue less sensitive to commodity swings.
Q3: Is nuclear gaining momentum?
Absolutely—recent U.S. executive orders aim to expedite SMR deployment and enrich domestic uranium, boosting companies like Oklo, Centrus, and BWX (ig.com, Investors).
Q4: What’s the outlook for solar stocks?
Mixed. Resurgence in trackers (NXT) and panel makers (FSLR) is balanced by policy uncertainty (e.g., clean-energy credit rollbacks affecting ENPH) .
Conclusion
The energy sector in 2025 isn’t just about oil anymore—it’s a rich ecosystem spanning hard commodities, utility flows, renewables, and nuclear innovation. By investing across these 20 top stocks ranging from stable dividend payers like XOM and CVX, to tech-driven gas infrastructure (EQT, TRGP), to future-focused renewables (NEE, FSLR, ORSTED, BEP), and nuclear disruptors you can craft a portfolio that targets income today and growth tomorrow.
Pro Tip: Start with a balanced mix—core energy and midstream holdings for stability, complemented by cleaner-energy and nuclear growth stocks for long-term upside.
