3 Energy Stocks to Buy With $500 and Hold Forever

Group 1: Energy Demand and Market Outlook - Global energy demand is expected to grow until 2050, driven primarily by emerging markets, despite increased energy efficiency in developed countries [1][2] - Fossil fuel demand is projected to plateau through the 2030s before declining, but it is unlikely to collapse, with fossil fuels still expected to contribute 39% of global power generation by 2050 [7][8] Group 2: Investment Opportunities in Energy Stocks - Integrated oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron are considered reliable investments due to their diverse operations in exploration, extraction, and refining, which reduces volatility compared to specialized companies [4][5] - ExxonMobil has raised its dividend for 42 consecutive years, while Chevron has done so for 37 years, showcasing their ability to provide consistent income to investors [6][8] Group 3: Renewable Energy Growth - Renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, are anticipated to satisfy a significant portion of incremental energy demand in the coming decades, indicating a shift in the energy landscape [9][10] - NextEra Energy, a leader in renewable energy, is expected to see substantial growth, with management estimating a 55% increase in U.S. power consumption from 2020 to 2040 and a backlog of 25 gigawatts in generation and storage capacity [11][12]