Artificial intelligence (AI) is a multi-trillion-dollar megatrend. According to an estimate by PwC, AI has the potential to provide a $15.7 trillion boost to the global economy by the end of this decade. That's more than the current economic output of India and China combined.

To reach its full potential, AI requires two crucial components: computing power and electricity. While most investors are currently focusing on the first aspect (e.g., semiconductors), many don't yet realize the importance of power. According to one estimate, data centers will grow from consuming 2% of the world's electricity to 10% by 2030. That's the equivalent of adding the electric generation capacity of the current U.S. power grid. While renewable energy will be crucial in powering AI, it can't carry that load alone. That drives the view that cleaner-burning natural gas will be vital in helping power AI's growth. Two under-the-radar ways to cash in on that trend are gas pipeline giants Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) and Williams (NYSE: WMB).

Electricity demand in the U.S. has grown slowly over the last decade. However, a reacceleration is coming:

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Source Fool.com