If you think ChatGPT, Google Bard, or that AI-generated image of a cat wearing a spacesuit costs next to nothing to create, think again. Artificial intelligence might feel digital and intangible, but it’s powered by an energy-hungry physical infrastructure: data centers.

And as AI scales up, so does the electricity bill.

In fact, the International Energy Agency projects that by 2026, data centers could consume 20% of the total electricity supply in the U.S.

That’s not just a big number – it’s a total transformation of the energy market.

How Much Power Are We Talking?

A single large data center can consume 700,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per week. 

For context, the average U.S. home uses about 210 kWh per week. That means one data center can burn through as much electricity as 3,300 homes per week. 

Multiply that by thousands of facilities, and you begin to understand why utilities are starting to panic.

Add to that the fact that AI workloads (especially training large models like GPT-4 or Meta’s LLaMA) require 10x to 100x more energy than standard cloud computing tasks. 

The power demand isn’t just growing – it’s accelerating exponentially.

Why Data Centers Can’t Run on Intermittent Energy

Unlike your Netflix stream or your smart fridge, data centers can’t afford to blink. They need constant, uninterrupted power 24/7/365. 

That rules out intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. Even with large battery installations, renewables can’t provide consistent baseload power at the scale AI requires.

That means we need energy sources that are always on. We’re talking about baseload power.

What Counts as Baseload Power?

There are only a few options that deliver this kind of reliability:

  • Natural Gas: Highly flexible, relatively clean, and quick to ramp up.
  • Coal: Still in the mix, though declining due to emissions and regulatory pressure.
  • Nuclear: Clean and powerful, but slow and expensive to build.

So where does that leave us?

Why Nuclear Isn’t Ready (Yet)

Traditional nuclear reactors take 7 to 15 years to build. The only major nuclear project in the U.S. in recent memory—Vogtle Units 3 and 4—took 14+ years and cost over $30 billion.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are the exciting future of nuclear energy. But the key word is future…

While Canada has started construction on its first BWRX-300 and the U.S. has approved designs from NuScale and Holtec, none will be online in time to meet the surge in demand that’s happening NOW…

SMRs will most likely play a growing role in the energy mix by the 2030s. But they’re not here now. 

And the AI energy crunch is happening now.

The Case for Oil and Gas

So, if nuclear can’t help in time, and renewables can’t provide uninterrupted power, who’s left to carry the load?

You guessed it: oil and gas.

Oil, in particular, is already the top source of U.S. electricity generation, followed closely by natural gas… 

They’re both abundant, fast to scale, and can be deployed flexibly to meet surging demand. 

And natural gas is also increasingly paired with carbon capture and other innovations that improve its environmental profile.

Here’s what makes oil and gas the best bet for meeting AI-driven power demand over the next decade:

  • Speed: New gas plants can come online in 2–3 years, far faster than nuclear.
  • Scalability: U.S. shale formations offer massive untapped reserves.
  • Infrastructure: Pipelines, LNG terminals, and gas turbines are already in place.

Where the Smart Money Is Going

Big investors are already piling into energy infrastructure to support AI…

Warren Buffett, for example, has been doubling down on oil and gas. He knows what we’re all starting to realize: without a strong energy backbone, the AI revolution stalls.

And while the majors like Exxon and Chevron will benefit, the real upside is in the smaller exploration and production companies with high growth potential.

One to Watch: Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP)

Prairie Operating Company is a nimble, fast-growing U.S.-based oil and gas company focused on efficient, low-cost production from domestic shale assets. 

With oil and natural gas demand booming from AI data centers, power-hungry crypto, and LNG exports, companies like PROP are positioned to thrive.

What sets Prairie apart is its strategic location and focus on scalable development… 

The company holds thousands of acres of high-potential leases in energy-rich basins and has streamlined operations to keep drilling costs low while maximizing output. 

That means more cash flow when prices are high—and a leaner break-even point when prices dip.

PROP also benefits from existing infrastructure, which means it can bring production online faster than many of its competitors. It’s the kind of operational agility that institutional investors look for when power demand – and energy prices – are about to spike.

In short, Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP) is the kind of early-stage energy play that could grow significantly as the AI power demand story unfolds.

The Bottom Line

The AI boom is driving an energy crisis that most investors haven’t priced in yet. With nuclear still years away and renewables unable to deliver reliable baseload power, oil and gas will do the heavy lifting for at least the next decade.

That makes now the perfect time to look into small oil and gas producers set to benefit from this megatrend.

Learn more about Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP) and how you can position your portfolio to profit from the explosive growth of AI…

Because the next part of this revolution isn’t about software or hardware. It’s about the energy systems that make it all possible.

Get ready, because there’s something big brewing in the world of energy. Donald Trump’s aggressive push to ramp up U.S. oil and gas exports, while clamping down on exports from geopolitical rivals like Iran and Russia, is shaping up to be a massive profit opportunity for anyone positioned early.

And as markets soar on the U.S.-China trade deal, if you’re thinking about where to put your money next, U.S. energy could be your golden ticket.

The Strategy: Export More, Profit More

Here’s the deal: Trump has been very clear about his ambitions. He aims to secure America’s energy dominance by drastically boosting exports of U.S. oil and gas.

His administration is actively targeting competitors—Iran and Russia—with sanctions designed to shrink their market share and create openings for U.S. energy producers.

During his current trip to the Middle East, Trump’s agenda is crystal clear: he’s working on securing long-term commitments from allies to ramp up their imports from U.S. producers.

This isn’t just a political move; it’s an economic masterstroke designed to bolster America’s position in global energy markets.

Buffett’s Bet: Occidental Petroleum

When Warren Buffett makes a move, investors listen—and Buffett has been piling into Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY). Occidental, a heavyweight U.S. oil producer, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on expanding global markets and reduced competition from sanctioned rivals.

With its substantial production capacity, robust infrastructure, and significant cash returns to shareholders, Occidental offers investors a reliable yet exciting path to potential profits.

Buffett’s massive stake isn’t just a vote of confidence; it’s practically a flashing neon sign that says, “Big profits ahead!”

Sailing Towards Profits: Dorian LPG

Natural gas is another key player in Trump’s export strategy, and companies like Dorian LPG are set to reap massive benefits. Specializing in liquefied petroleum gas transportation, Dorian LPG (NYSE: LPG) is at the forefront of the booming global demand for American gas exports.

As Trump’s policies squeeze out competitors and open up new international markets, Dorian’s fleet stands ready to ferry U.S. gas to eager buyers around the globe.

For investors, this represents an ideal opportunity: a highly specialized, well-positioned company ready to deliver both literal and financial goods.

Midstream Magic: Williams Companies

Don’t overlook the critical role of midstream players. Companies responsible for transporting and processing oil and gas are vital to Trump’s export strategy—and that’s exactly where Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB) comes in.

Williams, a leader in natural gas infrastructure, operates an extensive network of pipelines and facilities crucial for moving gas from producers directly to export terminals.

As U.S. exports grow, the demand for reliable midstream infrastructure explodes. Williams Companies, with its strategically placed assets and proven operational efficiency, is set to profit significantly. If you’ve been waiting for an investment with a powerful upside and steady growth, look no further.

Big Gains in Small Packages: Prairie Operating Company

If you’re hunting for massive returns, small-cap energy producers often offer some of the most explosive potential. Prairie Operating Co. (NASDAQ: PROP), a small-cap oil producer, might just be your diamond in the rough.

Smaller producers like Prairie have a knack for quick pivots and aggressive growth strategies, making them ideal candidates to capitalize on the shifting energy landscape. Case-in-point: Prairie’s predicting a 1,000% jump in production this year after an extremely well-timed acquisition.

With Trump’s policies driving demand higher and global markets opening wider, Prairie Operating Company has the potential to transform from a small-cap gem into a significant industry player. Investing early could mean riding an upward trajectory before the rest of the market catches on.

Tariffs Worked, Energy Dominance Next

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Remember when Trump implemented tariffs and many experts cried foul, predicting disaster?

Fast forward, and the stock market is soaring as nation after nation comes to the table to negotiate with the administration, proving those skeptics wrong. Trump’s bet on tariffs paid off handsomely, and investors who recognized that early made out like bandits.

We’re witnessing the same scenario unfolding in energy. Trump’s bold moves to increase U.S. exports and sideline foreign competitors could drive similar spectacular results.

Energy dominance isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s rapidly becoming a profitable reality.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Here’s the bottom line: now is the time to position yourself. Companies like Occidental Petroleum, Dorian LPG, Williams Companies, and Prairie Operating Company are poised for significant gains as Trump’s policies reshape global energy markets.

The smart money is already moving. Warren Buffett sees it. Analysts see it.

And investors who get ahead of the crowd stand to reap substantial rewards. Trump’s track record speaks volumes—first tariffs, now energy.

Don’t sit on the sidelines and watch others celebrate their smart moves. Jump into U.S. oil and gas now, and watch your investment grow as America takes the driver’s seat in global energy.

The profits are waiting—make sure you’re there to collect.