Right then. Let’s talk about boxes. Not just any boxes, mind you. We’re discussing those humming, blinking, electricity-guzzling boxes that now collectively possess more processing power than, well, let’s just say a very large number of wizards attempting to calculate the optimal tea brewing time.1 These are the data centers, the digital cathedrals of the 21st century, and they have a rather alarming appetite. An appetite for power. Specifically, a projected 60 gigawatts by 2030 in the US alone. That’s roughly the power consumption of a small country, or, put another way, enough energy to keep all the gargoyles on the Unseen University illuminated for a very long time indeed.
The point is this: someone has to generate all this power. And that, my friends, presents a rather interesting opportunity for those of us with a penchant for spotting a good investment. It’s not about the algorithms themselves, you see. It’s about the utterly mundane, yet utterly vital, business of keeping the lights on. So, let’s examine three companies poised to benefit from this… shall we say, ‘digital gluttony’.
Brookfield Renewable: Harnessing the Elements (and Corporate Agreements)
Brookfield Renewable (BEPC +1.80%)(BEP +0.71%) isn’t simply generating power; they’re doing it with a certain… panache. Hydro, wind, solar, energy storage – they dabble in all the respectable elements. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to strike deals with the big players. They’ve become the preferred supplier for those tech giants who suddenly realized that building a digital empire requires, you know, actual electricity.
Microsoft, for instance, has entrusted Brookfield with a rather substantial portion of their power needs through 2030. The largest corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) ever conceived, no less. And then there’s Alphabet (Google), who’ve signed a framework agreement for up to 3 GW. It’s a bit like a medieval kingdom securing a reliable source of dragon-slaying services, really.2 These aren’t just contracts; they’re long-term partnerships, providing a remarkably stable revenue stream. They anticipate growing their funds from operations (FFO) per share at over 10% annually through 2030. A dividend yield of nearly 4% with a projected 5-9% annual increase? Now that’s what I call a sensible investment.
NextEra Energy: The Utility of the Future (and a Touch of Nuclear)
NextEra Energy (NEE +1.78%) operates the largest electric utility in the country (FPL) and a leading energy infrastructure development company (NextEra Energy Resources). They’re not just a utility; they’re a veritable powerhouse of wind, solar, and energy storage. They even dabble in the slightly more… dramatic art of nuclear energy. And, crucially, they’re attracting the attention of the tech giants.
Google, again, features prominently. A collaboration to accelerate nuclear energy deployment, a 25-year PPA to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center, and a broader partnership to accelerate AI growth. It’s a bit like alchemists collaborating with clockmakers, really – a potentially explosive combination.3 And then there’s Meta Platforms, who’ve signed agreements for 2.5 GW to support their AI operations. NextEra expects over 8% annual earnings-per-share growth through 2035, with a near 3% dividend yield and projected 10% boost this year. A solid, reliable investment in a rapidly changing landscape.
Williams: The Gas Pipeline Wizards
Williams (WMB +2.09%) isn’t about flashy renewables; they’re the masters of moving gas. Over 33,000 miles of pipelines across 24 states, handling roughly a third of the gas consumed in the country. A rather unglamorous, yet utterly essential, service. But they’re not resting on their laurels. They’ve recognized that data centers, even the digital ones, still require power, and gas infrastructure plays a crucial role.
Their Socrates project in Ohio, investing $2 billion in gas-fired power plants, is a testament to their foresight. They’re also evaluating over 6 GW of potential power projects and have projects under construction that should be operational by 2030. A more than 5% dividend yield, with plenty of fuel to continue growing it. It’s not about replacing gas entirely, you understand; it’s about providing a reliable, efficient bridge to a more sustainable future. A pragmatic, sensible investment in a complex world.
High-Powered Total Return Potential
Brookfield Renewable, NextEra Energy, and Williams are all well-positioned to capitalize on the coming surge in power demand. They offer a combination of growth, income, and stability – a rather attractive proposition in these uncertain times. It’s not about chasing the latest tech fad; it’s about investing in the fundamentals – the things that will continue to be essential, regardless of how many digital boxes we build. A sensible, pragmatic approach to wealth creation. And, frankly, a rather good investment.
1 The calculation of optimal tea brewing time, incidentally, remains one of the greatest unsolved problems in theoretical physics.
2 Dragons, naturally, require a significant amount of power for their fiery breath. Maintaining a stable power supply is crucial for diplomatic relations.
3 Alchemists and clockmakers are notoriously prone to accidental explosions. A robust safety protocol is essential.
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2026-01-20 17:23