Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again.\u00a0In 2009, a “Double Down” signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia.\u00a0For the first time in years, that same “Total Conviction” signal is flashing for a company 1\/100th the size of Nvidia.\u00a0Continue \u00bb<\/a> <\/p>\n It’s not a complicated arrangement. Software powerhouse Microsoft’s artificial intelligence data center in West Texas needs power. Rather than tapping a nearby utility for what may or may not be an adequate or affordable supply, the tech giant is installing 2.7 gigawatts’ worth of natural gas power turbines made by GE Vernova, which will use gas supplied directly by Chevron for a contracted period of 20 years. <\/p>\n It’s obviously not Chevron’s usual business model. But these are unusual times. AI data center-driven demand<\/a> for electricity is straining producers. So, operators are taking matters into their own hands, largely because they can. Reliable natural gas power turbines are now available at scale, and Chevron\u00a0has the infrastructure in the region to make a direct natural gas supply feasible. <\/p>\n For now, the agreement looks more like a test than a new business venture, but that’s apt to change eventually. As Chevron’s president of new energies, Jeff Gustavson, commented in an interview following the announcement, “If we can get to a returns equation that works for our company and our shareholders, you can expect to hear more from us going forward.” For clarity, Gustavson made a point of adding, “This does represent a platform for growth for us.” High-opportunity areas include the Midwest, the Gulf Coast, the Rocky Mountains, and Utah — all areas where the company’s already got established infrastructure. <\/p>\n And it should pursue them. Although these so-called “behind-the-meter” natural gas-burning power plants aren’t unheard of, they’ve also only scratched the surface of the underlying opportunity. For perspective on the sudden surge in demand, Bloomberg notes that roughly 100 gigawatts’ worth of behind-the-meter gas power has been planned or permitted specifically for U.S. data centers, but only 2 GW is currently up and running. Separately but simultaneously, PwC believes AI-driven demand for natural gas could more than quintuple over the next 10 years, with much of it being directly burned by the end user rather than a utility company. <\/p>\n The more Chevron can steer this evolution, the better. <\/p>\n Cool stories alone don’t produce meaningful cash <\/p>\n It’s an exciting prospect to be sure, simply because the idea solves a very real problem that’s only apt to grow before it starts to shrink. It’s also just pretty cool to see companies collaborating creatively to come up with solutions that at one point would have been unthinkable. And, it’s worth mentioning that Chevron is tinkering with man-made alternatives to natural gas, if and when that time comes. <\/p>\n Just don’t let this be the chief reason you step into a stake. It will be years before this venture grows into something that could make a noticeable difference in Chevron’s gas-and-oil-driven bottom line. <\/p>\n Should you buy stock in Chevron right now? <\/p>\n Before you buy stock in Chevron, consider this: <\/p>\n The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the\u00a010 best stocks<\/a> for investors to buy now\u2026 and Chevron wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. <\/p>\n Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004… if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation,\u00a0you’d have $371,842!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005… if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,244,783!* <\/p>\n Now, it’s worth noting\u00a0Stock Advisor’s total average return is 900% \u2014 a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500.\u00a0Don’t miss the latest top 10 list, available with\u00a0Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. <\/p>\n See the 10 stocks \u00bb<\/a> <\/p>\n *Stock Advisor returns as of July 19, 2026. <\/p>\n James Brumley<\/a> has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron, GE Vernova, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/a> Image source: Getty Images. Adapting to the demands of the revolution <\/p>\n