AI引爆绿电狂潮! 清洁能源迎来崛起时刻 华尔街押注绿色巨浪卷土重来

Core Viewpoint - The surge in AI data center construction is driving a strong demand outlook for clean energy, leading to a potential revival of large-scale clean energy projects in the global M&A market, making "green pioneers" the hottest trading assets again [1][4]. Group 1: Market Trends - The past year saw a significant decline in clean energy M&A activity, with solar, wind, and storage asset transactions dropping to the lowest level since 2017 [4]. - It is anticipated that as demand grows, developers and sellers will become more realistic in their valuations, leading to an increase in M&A activity in the renewable energy sector by 2026 [4]. - The average premium for renewable energy company transactions fell to approximately 12% in 2025, down from 46% a year earlier, indicating a shift in market dynamics [6]. Group 2: Investment Insights - Investors are increasingly attracted to large operational projects with reliable off-takers rather than those still in development, which carry higher risks [10]. - Nuveen is currently negotiating a potential large transaction for a wind power asset in the European market, signaling a renewed interest in clean energy investments [5]. - Brookfield raised approximately $20 billion for its global energy transition strategy last year, indicating strong investor interest in renewable energy projects [10]. Group 3: Future Projections - The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2035, the demand for renewable energy, particularly solar, will grow faster than any other major power source, driven by the adoption of large AI data centers, electric vehicles, and air conditioning systems [7]. - Goldman Sachs predicts a significant increase in electricity demand driven by AI data centers, with a forecasted expansion of 175% by 2030 compared to 2023 [12]. - UBS analysts note that the demand for utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. is gradually exceeding supply, bolstered by the construction of AI data centers aiming for 100% clean energy [13].