You know the world is going green when even the most unlikely of people are investing in renewable energy. From Hollywood actors to famous musicians and socialites, everyone seems to be jumping on the sustainability bandwagon. The global warming crisis has also played its part, forcing even oil tycoons like Bill Gates to invest in alternative energy projects. But what exactly are energy commodities? Simply put, they are raw materials that are used to produce energy. There are many different types of commodities natural gas, crude oil, coal, hydroelectricity, and electricity among others. While investing in any commodity comes with a certain degree of risk as prices fluctuate quite often, there are some great opportunities out there for long-term investors who understand their market well enough to take advantage of them. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Oil Commodities
Crude oil is the most important energy commodity in the world. It’s used in almost every industry and is an essential part of modern-day life. Oil is a finite resource, meaning that one day it will run out entirely. However, this won’t happen any time soon, so investing in oil will be a stable business for years to come. Investing in oil is a little more complicated than just purchasing a natural gas, coal, or electricity commodity since you’ll need to buy stocks of oil companies. However, for long-term investors, this is a good thing, since oil stocks are far less volatile than other types of commodities, and they can be held onto for years without having to be sold.
Natural Gas Commodities
Natural gas is a byproduct of oil production and other natural sources. It can also be extracted from shale, but that’s not as common. Oil and gas are both used for heating, cooking, and generating power, so investing in natural gas commodities will also allow you to diversify your portfolio. Natural gas stocks are far less volatile than oil stocks, but they are also less profitable, so this is something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about investing in this commodity.
Crude Oil Commodities
As we’ve mentioned above, crude oil is a type of energy commodity. However, it’s also used as a measurement of how much a refinery has produced. Crude oil has many different grades and types, so it’s important to know which ones you’re investing in. Crude oil is a very volatile commodity, and it’s important to remember that investing in it comes with a high risk. One refinery going offline can cause the price of crude oil to drop drastically. Additionally, elections in countries that produce a lot of oil, like Venezuela, can also have an impact on the price of crude oil.
Coal Commodities
Coal is the dirtiest energy source, but it’s also the cheapest. It’s used to produce almost half of the world’s electricity, so it’s still a relevant commodity. While investing in coal is certainly not the most environmentally friendly thing to do, it could be a good long-term investment if you’re not too concerned about how your money is being used. You should also keep in mind that most countries around the world are moving away from burning coal. This could affect how much you can sell your commodities for, or whether you even get a buyer at all.
Hydroelectricity Commodities
Hydroelectricity is when electricity is created by using flowing water. While hydroelectricity is not as sustainable as other energy sources, it’s still a cleaner alternative to coal and oil. Hydroelectricity commodities might not be as profitable as other commodities, but they will have a higher value in the long run. If more people are investing in clean energy and less in fossil fuels, the value of hydroelectricity commodities will increase with time.
Electricity Commodities
Electricity commodities are a very interesting type of commodity. While you can purchase the actual commodity, you can also purchase shares in power plants. This way, you’re not only earning money from selling the commodity, but you’re also profiting from the electricity itself. This is a very interesting way of investing in the energy sector, and it could pay off well in the long run. The electricity sector is extremely volatile, so it’s important to be aware of that before you decide to invest in this type of commodity.
Conclusion
As you can see, many types of commodities can be invested in. Some are riskier than others, but they all come with their advantages as well. If you’re looking to invest in energy commodities, you should do your research beforehand to find which ones are best for you. Another piece of advice is to talk to a professional adviser, they can steer you in a good direction.