An updated edition of the July 17, 2026 article.
The use of renewable energy continues to rise globally as efforts to minimize greenhouse gas emissions intensify. Across industries, companies are increasing investments in cleaner technologies as they work toward achieving net-zero emission targets. Rising electricity demand is also driving the need for reliable and low-emission energy sources.
Out of several forms of alternative energy, wind power stands out at the forefront of the global transition toward renewables. Wind energy is seeing broader adoption across industries due to its abundant supply, sustainable and emission-free technology, lower generation costs and supportive policy initiatives. Apart from its significant environmental benefits, these advantages also contribute to improved energy efficiency and employment opportunities.
Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, the U.S. wind power sector continues to expand, with installed generation capacity exceeding 165 gigawatts (GW) by the end of second-quarter 2026. The EIA forecasts capacity to climb to 170.2 GW by the end of 2026 before increasing further to 178.8 GW by 2027-end. The outlook also projects wind energy to contribute 11% to total U.S. electricity generation in 2026, with its share increasing to 12% in 2027.
The wind energy sector is benefiting from multiple trends, including growing electricity demand from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered data centers, widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV) and the accelerating need for energy security and decarbonization. Per the EIA report, the U.S. grid is projected to add 11.4 GW of wind generation capacity in 2026.
The projected growth in wind capacity is likely to be supported by the commissioning and continued development of major offshore wind projects across the United States. Projects such as Vineyard Wind 1, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and Empire Wind 1 are anticipated to contribute meaningfully to the expansion of renewable power capacity while strengthening the country’s clean energy infrastructure.
If you intend to capitalize on this buzzing trend, our Wind Energy Thematic Screen could make it easy to identify high-potential stocks such as Pinnacle West Capital Corporation PNW, MGE Energy, Inc. MGEE and Vestas Wind Systems VWDRY. By leveraging advanced tools, our thematic screens identify companies shaping the future, making it easier to benefit from emerging trends.
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Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Pinnacle West Capital provides electricity services in Arizona through its subsidiaries. While the Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company’s principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service (“APS”) purchases wind power from Arizona and New Mexico wind facilities and provides clean electricity, its another unit, PNW Power, has certain wind and transmission-related joint venture investments.
PNW Power’s investment portfolio includes minority stakes in two Tenaska Energy and Tenaska Energy Holdings-operated wind facilities. The 242-megawatt Clear Creek project and the 250-megawatt Nobles 2 facilities supply electricity through long-term power purchase agreements. Through indirect ownership, PNW Power holds a 9.9% interest in Clear Creek and a 5.1% interest in Nobles 2.
The company’s major capital projects continued to proceed per plan and the addition of new renewable projects continues to boost the portfolio. The APS unit secured 3,606 MW of battery storage capacity, 2,649 MW of solar capacity, 517 MW of natural gas resources and 500 MW of wind resources, with these additions scheduled to enter service between 2026 and 2028.
Based in Madison, WI, MGE Energy produces electricity using coal, natural gas and renewable resources, while also offering solar and wind generation along with battery storage services.
Renewable energy projects are central to MGE Energy’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. The company also intends to lower its reliance on fossil fuels while supporting customers in improving energy efficiency and expanding electrification, including the shift toward electric transportation.
MGE continues to work on its strategy of making long-term investments in clean energy assets. Since 2015, the Zacks Rank #2 company has incorporated 93 MW of wind generation, 253 MW of solar and 11 MW of battery storage capacity into its renewable electricity portfolio. It also plans to add about 18 MW of wind, 252 MW of solar and 125 MW of battery storage by 2030-end through projects that have either received or are awaiting approval from PSCW.
Headquartered in Denmark, Vestas Wind Systems is a renowned designer, manufacturer, installer and service provider for wind turbines across the globe. The company is capitalizing on rising demand for renewable power through its emphasis on wind capacity expansion, technological advancement and sustainable energy development.
Vestas Wind has reached more than 207 GW of installed wind power capacity, which includes about 12 GW of offshore capacity. The company’s turbines are designed to operate in diverse weather conditions and it has a strong customer base across 88 countries.
In August 2026, the Zacks Rank #2 company secured two new orders from JUWI to deliver wind turbines in Germany for a total of 86 MW. Also, in the same month, the company clinched turbine orders for 65 MW in Italy and 306 MW in the United States. Apart from this, Vestas secured a deal from Statkraft Peru to develop a 72 MW Emma Wind Farm in Piura, marking its return to Peru with the 4 MW platform. These orders are indicative of the strong demand that VWDRY’s wind turbines enjoy worldwide.
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Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW): Free Stock Analysis Report
MGE Energy Inc. (MGEE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Vestas Wind Systems AS (VWDRY): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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