Renewable energy continues to create opportunities across global markets, whether you’re looking for long-term growth or short-term trading potential. This article examines six major companies spanning the US, Europe and the UK, exploring which are best suited to stock traders seeking stability, and which offer the volatility and momentum that appeal to CFD traders.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please ensure you understand the risks and consider your individual circumstances before trading.
Renewable energy stocks are the shares of publicly listed companies involved in producing, developing and distributing energy from renewable sources.
Billions of dirhams are spent on solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal energy research, development and solutions annually – and that’s just in the UAE. It’s a booming business globally, especially considering the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions.
For some people, the idea of sustainable and ethical stock trading is important. For others, it’s the rise of the industry that indicates strong potential returns on renewable energy stocks.
Trading renewable energy stocks can help diversify a trader’s portfolio, giving them a new sector in which to invest. Plus, whereas the traditional energy market is experiencing a period of volatility, clean energy shares might provide a stabilising effect on portfolios.
Aside from the ethical advantages of stock trading renewable energy shares, there are a few other pros:
As with any stock trading, there are inherent risks involved in clean energy shares, like volatility, which the market faces, as it’s still very much in a growth phase. Other potential cons include:
We chose these three companies based on their past six-month share price performance, indicating it might be a good time to buy their stocks. However, remember that past performance is not an indicator of future earnings, and all trading, whether directly or via CFDs, comes with inherent risks.
All figures are accurate as of 21 April 2026.
You can stock trade all of the shares we’ve picked for this section through our platform.
Company |
Focus |
Market cap |
6-month stock price performance |
Available to stock trade with us |
Green hydrogen |
£873.43 million1 |
+74.32%2 |
✓ |
|
Wind power plants |
194.62 billion kr3 |
+61.20%4 |
✓ |
|
Develops off-shore wind farms |
£30.33 billion5 |
+37.74%6 |
✓ |
Market cap: £873.43 million
ITM Power is a British company that specialises in the manufacture of integrated hydrogen energy solutions.
It focuses on a process called electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When this electricity is sourced from wind or solar farms, the resulting green hydrogen serves as a clean fuel for heavy transport, industrial heating and energy storage. By providing the technology needed to replace fossil fuels in sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise, ITM Power acts as a vital link in the global transition to a net-zero economy.
Over the last six months, the company has focused heavily on refining its manufacturing processes and strengthening its partnerships with major global energy players. News from the company has largely centred on its efforts to scale up production and improve the reliability of its latest generation of electrolysers.
Why it might suit stock traders
Stock traders may find the company an interesting prospect because it represents a pure play in the hydrogen space. As governments worldwide increase subsidies for clean fuel, ITM Power is positioned at the forefront of a rapidly expanding market. It offers exposure to a niche but essential technology that could underpin future energy grids.
Risks
Market cap: 194.62 billion kr
Vestas Wind Systems is a Danish powerhouse that designs, manufactures, and services wind turbines across the globe. It is a true pioneer of the renewable movement, having installed more wind power capacity than any other company.
Its business is split between selling the massive turbines themselves and providing long-term service contracts to keep them spinning. As countries race to reduce their carbon footprints, the demand for both onshore and offshore wind technology from a proven provider like Vestas remains a cornerstone of the global energy strategy.
In recent months, the company has been navigating a period of significant activity, marked by a healthy intake of new orders from various international markets. News has highlighted its success in securing large contracts for next-generation turbines that are taller and more efficient than previous models.
Why it might suit stock traders
Vestas is often viewed as a bellwether for the renewable energy sector. Its massive market share and established global footprint make it a primary choice for those looking to gain stable exposure to wind power. The recurring revenue generated from its service division provides a layer of predictability that is often attractive to those seeking a more mature company in the green energy space.
Risks
Market cap: £30.33 billion
SSE is a leading energy company headquartered in the United Kingdom that has undergone a dramatic transformation from a traditional utility provider into a renewable energy leader. It’s now one of the largest developers of offshore wind in the world.
The company is responsible for building and operating some of the most ambitious wind farms in the North Sea, while also managing the electrical networks required to transport that clean energy to homes and businesses across the country.
Over the past half-year, it’s reached several key milestones in bringing new wind farms online, further cementing its role as a critical piece of the UK’s energy security infrastructure.
Why it might suit stock traders
Stock traders often look to SSE because it combines the growth potential of a renewable developer with the stability of a regulated utility. It provides a vital service that people rely on regardless of the economic climate, which can offer a level of defensibility.
Risks
We selected these three companies based on their latest six-month stock price performance, which has seen volatility, presenting opportunities for CFD traders. However, as with the shares we selected for stock traders, keep in mind that past performance is not an indicator of future earnings, and all trading comes with risks.
All figures are accurate as of 21 April 2026.
You can trade all three of the stocks in this section via CFDs with us.
Company |
Focus |
Market cap |
6-month stock price performance |
Available to CFD trade with us |
Wind farms, solar plants and hydroelectric facilities |
€132.72 billion7 |
+18.66%8 |
✓ |
|
Solar technology |
US$20.68 billion9 |
-15.27%10 |
✓ |
|
Wind farms |
HK$110.68 billion11 |
-15.43%12 |
✓ |
Market cap: €132.72 billion
Iberdrola is a Spanish multinational that has grown into one of the world's largest electricity providers, with a primary focus on clean energy. It operates a vast network of wind farms, solar plants and hydroelectric facilities across Europe, the Americas and beyond.
Rather than just generating power, Iberdrola also owns the smart grids needed to deliver that energy to millions of homes. By investing heavily in electrification, the company is a major driver in the shift away from fossil fuels, aiming to provide a reliable and sustainable alternative for global energy consumption.
In the first half of 2026, the company has stayed busy with massive offshore wind projects and the expansion of its solar footprint in Italy and Brazil. This is part of a broader multi-billion-euro investment plan aimed at strengthening its networks and renewable capacity through 2028.
Why it might suit CFD traders
Iberdrola is often attractive due to its high liquidity and the frequent news flow surrounding its international projects. Because the stock is sensitive to European economic policy and energy price shifts, it can offer the price movement (volatility) that short-term traders look for.
Risks
Market cap: US$20.68 billion
First Solar is a leading American manufacturer of solar panels, but it stands out because of the specific technology it uses. Unlike most manufacturers that use silicon, First Solar produces thin-film photovoltaic modules. These panels are often more efficient in hot or humid conditions and have a lower carbon footprint during the manufacturing process.
By keeping its supply chain primarily within the United States, the company has positioned itself as a key player in North America's energy independence and a vital supplier for large, utility-scale solar farms.
The news from the start of 2026 has been focused on the company's aggressive expansion of its American manufacturing base. With a new factory in Louisiana now operational and another finishing facility scheduled to open in South Carolina later this year, the business is significantly increasing its production capacity.
Why it might suit CFD traders
CFD traders may find First Solar particularly interesting because its stock price is often influenced by US political developments and trade policies. Since the company is a major beneficiary of green energy subsidies, any news regarding government incentives can cause sharp price movements.
Risks
Market cap: HK$110.68 billion
China Longyuan Power Group is the largest wind power producer in China and across Asia. It is a state-owned enterprise that focuses almost exclusively on the development and operation of wind farms, though it has recently been increasing its investment in solar energy.
As China works toward its ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality, Longyuan Power serves as a primary vehicle for that transition, managing a massive portfolio of energy assets that provide electricity to China.
Recent data from early 2026 shows a bit of a shift in the company’s operations. While wind generation has seen some seasonal fluctuations, the company’s solar output has surged. Management has signalled a major push for new capacity this year, with plans to add thousands of megawatts of new power to the grid.
Why it might suit CFD traders
This stock offers a way to trade the Chinese renewable energy market through the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The stock can be quite reactive to monthly power generation reports and Chinese government announcements regarding energy targets. This regular flow of data provides frequent opportunities for traders to speculate on the company’s performance and the broader health of the Asian green energy sector.
Risks
This is tricky to say, but in terms of presence, we can consider China to be the leader in renewable energy solutions.
In our list, Iberdrola SA has the largest market cap in the renewable energy sector of €132.72 billion as of 21 April 2026.
This depends on the particular stock in question. Some on our list, like China Longyuan Power Group, trade at under HK$6.36 per share, whereas others, like First Solar, are higher – in this case over US$190 (both prices are correct as of 21 April 2026).
This information has been prepared by IG Limited (DFSA reference No. F001780). It is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be regarded as investment advice or a recommendation. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk and professional clients can lose more then they deposit. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary. All information is accurate at the time of publication and may be subject to change.