2 Brilliant Energy Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for the Long Term

By Courtney Carlsen – Mar 22, 2026 at 11:00AM ESTKey PointsEnergy demand is projected to increase rapidly over the next decade, driven largely by data centers and the electrification of the grid.NextEra Energy is a leading electric utility and renewable energy company in the U.S.Cheniere Energy is the largest U.S. producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG).Energy is the lifeblood of our economy, powering everything from factories to homes and the data centers that drive the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Bank of America Institute, an internal think tank of the eponymous bank, energy demand is expected to grow at a rate 5 times faster over the next decade than it did over the previous decade. With energy demand set to surge in the coming years, here are two energy stocks you can confidently scoop up today. Image source: Getty Images. NextEra Energy provides stability with upside growth potential NextEra Energy (NEE 3.15%) operates as one of the largest electric utility and renewable energy companies in the U.S. The company operates two primary businesses: Florida Power & Light (FPL) and NextEra Energy Resources. FPL is the largest regulated utility in the U.S., and provides NextEra with predictable earnings. As a rate-regulated utility, FPL's rates cover its cost of service while providing a reasonable rate of return on its invested capital.

The Florida Public Service Commission approved a four-year rate agreement (January 2026 through December 2029) that grants FPL an allowed midpoint regulatory return on equity of 10.95%, providing stability and visibility into future earnings. ExpandNYSE: NEENextEra EnergyToday's Change(-3.15%) $-2.91Current Price$89.50Key Data PointsMarket Cap$186BDay's Range$89.17 - $94.2152wk Range$61.72 - $95.91Volume22MAvg Vol9.5MGross Margin36.20%Dividend Yield2.60% Meanwhile, NextEra Energy Resources is the world's largest renewable energy business, focusing on developing and operating renewable energy infrastructure, including wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and battery storage. With approximately 37,505 megawatts (MWs) of net generating capacity, this business gives NextEra upside growth through long-term contracts. For investors seeking stable long-term growth, NextEra is a solid choice. Additionally, investing in the stock offers investors both growth and income. The stock currently yields 2.74%, and the company has increased its annual payout for 31 consecutive years. With stability from its utility business and upside potential from its renewables business, which stands to benefit from surging power demand from technology companies, NextEra Energy is an excellent long-term investment. Cheniere benefits from growing demand for liquefied natural gas Cheniere Energy (LNG 0.28%) is the largest U.S. producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cooled form of natural gas that can be efficiently transported worldwide. This fuel is seen as a bridge fuel between traditional fuels and renewables because it emits up to 50% less carbon dioxide than coal. Another benefit of this fuel is that gas-fired plants can ramp up quickly to meet demand, complementing intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. ExpandNYSE: LNGCheniere EnergyToday's Change(-0.28%) $-0.80Current Price$281.07Key Data PointsMarket Cap$59BDay's Range$280.86 - $289.6952wk Range$186.20 - $299.49Volume289KAvg Vol2.4MGross Margin28.97%Dividend Yield0.75% The company operates a highly contracted business model, with roughly 90% of its capacity sold under take-or-pay contracts. Under these contracts, customers pay a fixed fee per MMBtu (metric million British thermal units) of LNG, with a portion of the fee adjusted annually for inflation. This structure offers strong revenue stability, as customers must pay this fixed fee for contracted volumes, even if they elect to cancel or suspend their deliveries. Cheniere essentially acts as the toll booth for U.S. gas bound for Europe and Asia, as its pipelines connect all five major U.S. natural gas basins and serve as a gateway to international markets. Over the past three years, 66% of its cargoes have been directed to Europe to replace Russian natural gas supplies. For investors looking to capitalize on the U.S.'s booming LNG production, Cheniere is another excellent stock to own for the long haul.Read NextMar 19, 2026 •By James HiresThis Nuclear Dividend Stock Could Turn $1,000 Into a Lifetime Income StreamMar 18, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerThis Solar Energy Stock is Rising As Oil Tops $100 Per BarrelMar 17, 2026 •By Catie Hogan2 Monster Stocks to Hold for the Next 10 YearsMar 11, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerThe Best 3 Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy and Hold for DecadesMar 7, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerThe Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right NowFeb 27, 2026 •By James HiresBetter Energy Stock: PlugPower vs. NextEra EnergyAbout the AuthorCourtney Carlsen is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering financial, real estate, industrial, and energy stocks.

Before The Motley Fool, Courtney was a lead senior auditor for the State of Florida. He holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida.TMFCourtCarlsenStocks MentionedNextEra EnergyNYSE: NEE$89.50(-3.15%)-$2.91Cheniere EnergyNYSE: LNG$281.07(-0.28%)-$0.80*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.