An updated edition of the Sept. 3, 2026 article.

Renewable energy is gaining significant traction in the global power landscape as countries prioritize reducing carbon emissions and strengthening energy security. Growing investments in cleaner technologies by governments, utilities and corporations, coupled with rising electricity demand, are driving the need for reliable, low-emission power sources.

Wind energy remains a key contributor to this transition, supported by its abundant supply, technological advancements, expanding onshore and offshore installations and lower generation costs. The sector is well-positioned to support the growing demand for clean and renewable energy as utilities and businesses are increasingly focused on meeting sustainability targets. Beyond environmental benefits, its growing adoption also supports greater energy efficiency and job creation.

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 of 167.6 gigawatts (GW) by the end of third-quarter 2026. The EIA forecasts capacity to climb to 170.3 GW by the end of 2026 before increasing further to 179.1 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 market is capitalizing on several favorable trends, including growing electricity demand driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered data centers, widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and rapid industrialization. Per the EIA report, the U.S. grid is projected to add 11.4 GW of wind generation capacity in 2026.

The expansion of U.S. wind power capacity is expected to gain momentum from the development and commissioning of major offshore projects, including Vineyard Wind 1, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind 1. These projects are likely to boost renewable energy capacity and reinforce the 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 Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN Quick QuoteCWEN - Free Report) , Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED Quick QuoteED - Free Report) , OGE Energy Corp. (OGE Quick QuoteOGE - Free Report) and MGE Energy, Inc. (MGEE Quick QuoteMGEE - Free Report) . By leveraging advanced tools, our thematic screens identify companies shaping the future, making it easier to benefit from emerging trends.

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4 Wind Energy Stocks to Bet on Now

Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Clearway Energy owns and operates a diversified portfolio of contracted renewable and conventional power generation assets across 27 U.S. states, with approximately 13.9 gigawatts (GW) of gross capacity. Its portfolio includes 11.1 GW of wind, solar and battery energy storage systems, along with 2.8 GW of dispatchable combustion-based assets.

Clearway Energy continues to strengthen its wind and solar portfolio through asset upgrades, repowering initiatives and contract extensions to extend operational life and improve cash flow visibility. Its repowering program is progressing as planned, with more than 600 megawatts (MW) of committed wind projects underway and more than 300 MW in development expected to enter construction in 2027. These efforts are likely to enhance asset longevity and support long-term contracted power generation with higher value.

In June 2026, the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company secured separate 15-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for its Langford and Elbow Creek wind facilities with investment-grade and commercial counterparties, respectively. These contracts replaced earlier commodity-linked arrangements, offering improved pricing terms and greater visibility into long-term revenues.

Based in New York, Consolidated Edison is a diversified utility holding company with subsidiaries engaged in both regulated and unregulated businesses. The company is involved in the regulated electric, gas and steam delivery businesses across the US.

The Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is developing the Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub, a transmission substation designed to enhance New York’s power grid reliability and facilitate offshore wind integration during construction and operation. Scheduled for completion by 2028, the facility will support up to 1,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

Consolidated Edison plans to invest $6.6 billion in 2026 and nearly $38 billion during 2026-2030 to modernize and expand its electric, gas and steam infrastructure, enhancing service reliability and supporting long-term rate base growth.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, OGE Energy provides electricity in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The Zacks Rank #2 company continues to benefit from its strategic investments, which are focused on infrastructure upgrades. The company also stands to benefit from its efforts to expand its renewable energy generation portfolio, positioning it for sustained long-term growth.

The company offers the Renewable Energy Credit purchase program, the Green Power Wind Rider and the Utility Solar Program, which are rate options that make renewable energy resources available to all OG&E Oklahoma retail customers on a voluntary basis.

OG&E aims to continue to deploy more renewable energy sources that do not emit greenhouse gases. The company expects to expand its generation capacity by 550 megawatts (MW) in 2026 through the Horseshoe Lake and Tinker projects. Additionally, the 300 MW Frontier Energy Storage project is slated to begin operations in the second half of 2027, further strengthening the company’s power generation portfolio.

Based in Madison, WI, MGE Energy generates electricity from coal, natural gas and renewable resources and offers 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 plans to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while helping customers improve energy efficiency and expand electrification, including the shift to 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 plans to add about 18 MW of wind, 252 MW of solar and 125 MW of battery storage by the end of 2030 through projects that have either received or are awaiting approval from PSCW.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.