BlackRock Points to Power Infrastructure as Next AI Investment Wave, as U.S. Faces 55 GW Capacity Gap

According to Benzinga, BlackRock Investment Institute recently highlighted energy infrastructure as the next major investment opportunity in the AI era, moving beyond chip makers like Nvidia and AMD. The firm noted in a recent report that weak energy supply and rising electricity demand create a persistent investment theme favoring infrastructure and critical bottleneck sectors.

U.S. electricity generation has stalled sharply. From 2008 to 2024, net generation grew nearly 0%, but since 2024 monthly output has increased about 9 terawatt-hours, a 50% jump from historical averages. Data centers need immediate power yet grid connections require over four years, forcing companies to build on-site generation. The U.S. has planned over 55 GW of behind-the-meter capacity, with 75% from natural gas turbines. GE Vernova, which secured a record $2.4 billion data center equipment order in Q1 2026, Eaton, producing grid management equipment, and Vistra, an independent power producer offering long-term supply contracts, are positioned as key beneficiaries.