SummaryPlants contain two genes that code for poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP): parp1 and parp2. Both PARPs are activated by DNA damage caused by, example reactive oxygen species. Upon activation polymers of ADP‐ribose are synthesized on a range of nuclear enzymes using NAD+ as substrate. Here, we show that in plants stresses such as drought, high light and heat activate PARP causing NAD+ breakdown and ATP consumption. When the PARP activity is reduced by means of chemical inhibitors or by gene silencing, cell death is inhibited and plants become tolerant to a broad range of abiotic stresses like high light, drought and heat. Plant lines with low poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation activity maintain under stress conditions their energy homeostasis by reducing NAD+ breakdown and consequently energy consumption. The higher energy‐use efficiency avoids the need for a too intense mitochondrial respiration and consequently reduces the formation of reactive oxygen species. From these results it can be concluded that breeding or engineering for a high energy‐use efficiency under stress conditions is a valuable, but until today nearly unexploited, approach to enhance overall stress tolerance of crops.