Core Viewpoint - China Huadian Group Co., Ltd. has announced a framework procurement tender for lithium iron phosphate electrochemical energy storage systems, with an estimated capacity of approximately 12 GWh [1]. Group 1: Tender Details - The tender includes the supply and installation guidance for lithium iron phosphate electrochemical energy storage systems with battery single capacity of ≥314Ah and a warranty period of 5 years [1]. - The actual procurement capacity may vary, with a maximum deviation of 20% from the estimated capacity [1]. - Bidders must have at least one project with a capacity of ≥200 MWh or a cumulative contract performance of no less than 2000 MWh for projects with a capacity of ≥10 MWh from January 1, 2024, to the bid deadline [1][5]. Group 2: Bidder Qualifications - Bidders must be legally registered independent entities in China, capable of bearing civil responsibilities and entering contracts [5]. - Bidders must not be in a state of production suspension, bankruptcy, or have their business licenses revoked [5]. - Bidders must not be listed as serious violators of trust by market supervision authorities or on the "Credit China" website during the evaluation period [5][6]. Group 3: Submission and Opening of Bids - The deadline for bid submission is February 11, 2026, at 09:00, and bids must be submitted electronically through the designated platform [11]. - The opening of bids will also occur electronically on February 11, 2026, at 09:00, with the process recorded for archival purposes [12].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the public utility and environmental sectors [6][8]. Core Views - The report highlights that coal and electricity prices are declining simultaneously, which is expected to maintain reasonable profitability for thermal power companies. Recommendations include major thermal power companies such as Huadian International and Shanghai Electric [4][20]. - Continuous government policies supporting the development of renewable energy are anticipated to lead to stable profitability in renewable power generation. Recommended companies include Longyuan Power, Three Gorges Energy, and regional offshore wind power companies [4][20]. - The report notes that the growth in installed capacity and power generation will offset the downward pressure on electricity prices, with nuclear power companies expected to maintain stable profitability. Recommended companies include China Nuclear Power and China General Nuclear Power [4][20]. - The report emphasizes the defensive attributes of hydropower stocks in a global interest rate decline environment, recommending Jiangsu Yangtze Power as a stable and growth-oriented hydropower leader [4][20]. - The environmental sector is entering a mature phase, with significant improvements in free cash flow. The report suggests focusing on "utility-like investment opportunities" in the environmental sector, recommending companies such as China Everbright Environment and Shanghai Industrial Holdings [21]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.57%, while the public utility index increased by 0.06% and the environmental index by 0.27%. The relative returns for public utilities and environmental sectors were 0.63% and 0.84%, respectively [13][22]. Important Events - Shanxi Province initiated a bidding process for the 2026 incremental renewable energy project mechanism, with a total bidding scale of 9.576 billion kWh, including 3.527 billion kWh from wind power and 6.049 billion kWh from solar power. The bidding price range is set between 0.2 and 0.32 yuan/kWh [2][14]. Special Research - The report outlines that over 26 cities in China have raised water prices in 2025, with adjustments primarily between 10% and 30%. The report emphasizes the necessity of price adjustments due to rising costs faced by water supply companies [3][17][19]. Investment Strategy - The report recommends various companies across different sectors, including thermal power, renewable energy, nuclear power, hydropower, and environmental services, based on their expected performance and market conditions [4][20][21].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the public utility and environmental sectors [1][6][8]. Core Insights - The report highlights the launch of the 2026 incremental renewable energy project pricing mechanism in Shanxi Province, with a bidding range of 0.2-0.32 CNY/kWh and a total bidding volume of 9.576 billion kWh [2][14]. - It notes that over 26 cities in China have raised water prices in 2025, with adjustments typically ranging from 10% to 30% [3][17]. - The report emphasizes the importance of the carbon neutrality context, recommending investments in the renewable energy supply chain and integrated energy management [20]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.57%, while the public utility index increased by 0.06% and the environmental index by 0.27% [1][13]. - Within the electricity sector, thermal power increased by 0.35%, while hydropower decreased by 1.76% and renewable energy generation rose by 1.61% [1][22]. Important Events - The Shanxi pricing mechanism for renewable energy projects has a total scale of 95.76 billion kWh, with wind power at 35.27 billion kWh and solar power at 60.49 billion kWh [2][14]. - The bidding submission rate for both wind and solar power is set at 120% [2][14]. Investment Strategy - Recommendations include major thermal power companies like Huadian International and Shanghai Electric, as well as leading renewable energy firms such as Longyuan Power and Three Gorges Energy [4][20]. - The report suggests that nuclear power companies like China Nuclear Power and China General Nuclear Power will maintain stable profitability [4][20]. - It also highlights the defensive attributes of hydropower stocks in a global interest rate decline environment, recommending Changjiang Power [4][20]. Special Research - The report discusses the challenges in adjusting water prices due to regulatory processes, with many water supply companies facing profitability issues [3][17]. - It notes that the average annual cost increase for the water supply industry is about 3%, leading to a situation where some companies operate under a "low price + loss + government subsidy" model [3][17]. Company Profit Forecasts - The report provides profit forecasts and investment ratings for various companies, all rated as "Outperform," including Huadian International, Longyuan Power, and China Nuclear Power [8][21].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the power and gas sectors, recommending various companies within these industries for investment opportunities [1]. Core Insights - The report highlights that China's total electricity consumption is projected to exceed 10 trillion kWh in 2025, reaching 10.4 trillion kWh, with a year-on-year growth of 5% [7][8]. - The growth in electricity consumption is driven primarily by the secondary and tertiary industries, which together contribute nearly 80% of the total increase in electricity demand [8]. - The report notes significant growth in electricity consumption from high-end manufacturing, digital economy, and new infrastructure projects, such as charging stations and 5G base stations, which are expected to see growth rates exceeding 30% [8]. Summary by Sections 1. Electricity Sector - In 2025, the total electricity consumption is expected to reach 10.4 trillion kWh, with a 5% year-on-year increase. The first, second, and third industries, along with urban and rural residential electricity consumption, are projected to grow by 9.9%, 3.7%, 8.2%, and 6.3% respectively [7][9]. - The second industry remains the largest consumer of electricity, contributing 48% to the growth, while the third industry contributes 31% [9][13]. - The report recommends investments in coal-fired power companies like Guodian Power and Inner Mongolia Huadian, as well as large hydropower companies such as Yangtze Power and State Power Investment [15][16]. 2. Gas Sector - The report indicates that colder temperatures are expected to increase heating demand, leading to a rebound in gas prices across Europe and Asia. As of January 16, the Henry Hub spot price was $3.06/mmBtu, with a weekly increase of 6.77% [17][24]. - The report highlights that European gas prices have surged due to low inventory levels and increased heating demand, with the TTF spot price reaching €38.10/MWh, up 31.38% week-on-week [17][24]. - Recommendations include investing in integrated gas companies like Kunlun Energy and New Hope Energy, as well as gas trading companies like New Hope and New Energy [38]. 3. Market Performance - The report notes that the public utility, power, and environmental sectors outperformed the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 index during the week of January 12 to January 16, 2026 [40]. 4. Company and Industry Dynamics - Recent initiatives in various provinces aim to enhance green energy and environmental standards, including the establishment of green mining standards in Guangxi and guidelines for industrial microgrid construction [46][47]. - The report also mentions significant corporate announcements, including mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector, which may impact market dynamics [50].

Group 1 - The core view of the report emphasizes the acceleration of utility sector transformation, highlighting the increasing value of dividends [1] - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the utility sector, consistent with previous ratings [3] - The report indicates that the utility sector has outperformed the market, with a relative performance increase of 30% from January 2025 to January 2026 [4] Group 2 - Electricity demand growth is expected to continue, driven by industrial transformation, with significant contributions from wind and solar power [17] - The report notes that from January to November 2025, wind and solar power accounted for 86.2% of the total electricity generation increase, indicating a strong shift towards renewable energy sources [17][18] - The structure of electricity consumption is shifting from secondary industry to tertiary industry and residential use, with the tertiary sector expected to account for 50.2% of the total electricity consumption increase by 2025 [17] Group 3 - The report highlights that the cash flow of thermal power companies is improving, with a potential increase in dividend payouts [17] - It suggests that the transition towards utility-like operations in thermal power is accelerating, with companies like Huaneng International Power and Huadian International Power showing strong performance and dividend management [17] - The report indicates that the capacity price for coal-fired power is expected to rise in 2026, which could enhance profitability [17] Group 4 - Hydropower is expected to benefit from high reservoir levels, ensuring stable electricity generation during dry seasons, with companies like Changjiang Electric Power showing promising performance [17] - The report emphasizes the importance of asset securitization in hydropower, with ongoing projects expected to enhance growth potential [17] - The report also notes that long-term interest rates remain low, which could further enhance the attractiveness of hydropower investments [17] Group 5 - The report discusses the challenges faced by green energy, particularly in terms of pricing and profitability, but anticipates improvements driven by policy changes [17] - Nuclear power is expected to see accelerated approvals and market-driven pricing, which could enhance its competitiveness [17] - The report highlights the need for a focus on demand recovery in the gas sector, with companies like Jiufeng Energy positioned to benefit from cost improvements [17] Group 6 - The report recommends specific stocks within the utility sector, including Huaneng International Power, Huadian International Power, and Changjiang Electric Power, based on their strong performance and dividend potential [17] - It also highlights the potential of gas companies like Jiufeng Energy and renewable energy firms like Longyuan Power and Fuyuan Co., which are expected to benefit from favorable market conditions [17] - The report suggests that the utility sector is entering a phase of increased dividend value, making it an attractive investment opportunity [17]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the public utility and environmental sectors [6][8]. Core Views - The report highlights the launch of the 2026 incremental renewable energy project pricing mechanism in Shanxi Province, with a bidding range of 0.2-0.32 CNY/kWh and a total bidding volume of 9.576 billion kWh, including 3.527 billion kWh from wind power and 6.049 billion kWh from solar power [2][14]. - It notes that over 26 cities in China have raised water prices in 2025, with adjustments typically ranging from 10% to 30%, driven by rising operational costs and the need for sustainable pricing mechanisms [3][17][19]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.57%, while the public utility index increased by 0.06% and the environmental index by 0.27% [13][22]. - Within the electricity sector, thermal power increased by 0.35%, while hydropower decreased by 1.76%, and renewable energy generation rose by 1.61% [13][23]. Important Events - The Shanxi pricing mechanism for renewable energy projects has a total scale of 95.76 billion kWh, with a bidding upper limit of 0.32 CNY/kWh and a lower limit of 0.2 CNY/kWh, effective for 10 years [2][14]. Investment Strategy - Recommendations include major thermal power companies like Huadian International and Shanghai Electric, as well as leading renewable energy firms such as Longyuan Power and Three Gorges Energy [4][20]. - The report suggests that the nuclear power sector will maintain stable profitability, recommending companies like China Nuclear Power and China General Nuclear Power [4][20]. - In the environmental sector, it advises focusing on companies with strong cash flow in water and waste management, such as China Everbright Environment and Shanghai Industrial Holdings [21]. Key Company Earnings Forecasts - Huadian International (600027.SH) is rated "Outperform" with an expected EPS of 0.46 CNY for 2024 and a PE ratio of 10.1 [8]. - Longyuan Power (001289.SZ) is also rated "Outperform" with an expected EPS of 0.75 CNY for 2024 and a PE ratio of 20.8 [8]. - China Nuclear Power (601985.SH) is rated "Outperform" with an expected EPS of 0.46 CNY for 2024 and a PE ratio of 20.9 [8].

Market Performance - The public utility sector increased by 0.1% as of January 16, outperforming the broader market, with the electricity sector rising by 0.20% and the gas sector declining by 1.17% [2][8]. Electricity Industry Data Tracking - The price of thermal coal at Qinhuangdao Port rose by 1 CNY/ton week-on-week, reaching 697 CNY/ton as of January 16. Meanwhile, Indonesian coal prices fell by 5.71 CNY/ton to 735.71 CNY/ton, and Australian coal prices decreased by 6.53 CNY/ton to 740.51 CNY/ton [3]. - Coal inventory at Qinhuangdao Port increased by 150,000 tons week-on-week, totaling 5.5 million tons as of January 16. Inland power plants' daily coal consumption rose by 96,000 tons/day to 4.147 million tons, a week-on-week increase of 2.37% [3]. - The outflow from the Three Gorges Dam increased by 19.22% year-on-year and 23.55% week-on-week, reaching 9,180 cubic meters/second as of January 16 [4]. Natural Gas Industry Data Tracking - The LNG ex-factory price index in Shanghai was 3,854 CNY/ton as of January 15, showing a week-on-week increase of 1.29% but a year-on-year decrease of 13.53% [5]. - The European TTF spot price rose by 18.6% week-on-week to 11.4 USD/million BTU, while the US HH spot price increased by 2.8% to 2.95 USD/million BTU [5]. - Domestic natural gas consumption in November was 36.280 billion cubic meters, a year-on-year increase of 4.1%, with production at 21.880 billion cubic meters, up 5.9% year-on-year [6]. Key Industry News - The State Grid Corporation plans to invest 4 trillion CNY in fixed assets during the 14th Five-Year Plan, a 40% increase from the previous plan, focusing on green transformation and enhancing grid functionality [7]. - Multiple provinces have highlighted natural gas as a key strategic energy source in their 14th Five-Year Plans, emphasizing its role in connecting traditional and new energy systems without setting consumption caps [7]. Investment Recommendations - The electricity sector is expected to see profit improvements and value reassessment due to ongoing supply-demand tensions, with a focus on coal power companies like Guodian Power and Huaneng International [8]. - The natural gas sector is anticipated to benefit from stable margins in city gas businesses and opportunities for traders with low-cost long-term gas sources [8].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook for the utility sector, indicating a favorable investment environment [7][3]. Core Insights - December's electricity consumption growth was affected by temperature, but a stable growth rate is expected for 2026, with an anticipated growth rate of around 5% [7][10]. - The report highlights that the long-term electricity price reform is necessary to support the increasingly complex new energy system in China [7]. - The performance expectations for the utility sector have reached a low point, making low-priced utility assets worth considering for investment [7]. Summary by Sections Electricity Consumption - In 2025, the total electricity consumption in China increased by 5.0% year-on-year, with growth rates for different sectors being +9.9% for primary industry, +3.7% for secondary industry, +8.2% for tertiary industry, and +6.3% for residential use [10][9]. - The average national temperature in December 2025 was -1.1°C, which contributed to the decline in electricity consumption growth [7][10]. Coal Prices and Supply - Coal prices at ports and production sites have weakened slightly, aligning with previous expectations. The report anticipates that short-term coal prices will remain stable with limited upward potential [7][27]. - As of January 16, 2026, the price of Q5500 thermal coal at Qinhuangdao was 695 CNY/ton, showing a week-on-week decrease of 0.6% [27][30]. Performance of Utility Sector - The utility sector index rose by 0.1%, outperforming the CSI 300 index by 0.7 percentage points during the week of January 10-16, 2026 [53]. - The report suggests that the utility sector remains a quality dividend asset for long-term investment, especially under the current low-interest-rate environment [7][3]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on utility stocks, particularly in thermal, hydropower, nuclear, and renewable energy sectors, with specific stocks highlighted for potential investment [7][3]. - Notable stocks include: - Thermal Power: Jiantou Energy, Huadian International, Guodian Power, Huaneng International, and Waneng Power [7]. - Hydropower: Yangtze Power, Guiguan Power, Chuanwei Energy, and Huaneng Hydropower [7]. - Nuclear Power: China General Nuclear Power [7]. - Wind and Solar: Longyuan Power [7].

Core Insights - The report titled "2025 Benchmark Analysis of Chinese Power Generation Enterprises and Global Energy Companies" aims to provide insights for Chinese power companies to accelerate their development into world-class energy enterprises [3][5]. Group 1: Benchmarking Framework - The report utilizes a benchmarking indicator system that includes four dimensions: product excellence, brand prestige, innovation leadership, and modern governance, comprising 18 quantitative indicators [7][8]. - A total of 24 representative companies, 12 from China and 12 from abroad, are selected for benchmarking [9]. Group 2: Performance Overview - By the end of 2024, the benchmark companies achieved a total installed capacity of 2.68 billion kilowatts and generated 9.08 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.8% and 4.0% respectively [12]. - The EBITDA of benchmark companies was approximately $312.6 billion, with operating revenue reaching about $964.4 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 9.0% and 5.8% respectively [13]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Domestic benchmark companies have a significant advantage in installed capacity, with a total of 1.86 billion kilowatts, which is 2.3 times that of foreign counterparts [32]. - The proportion of non-fossil energy installed capacity for domestic companies reached 56.8%, surpassing foreign companies by 7.8 percentage points [32]. Group 4: Key Findings - Eight companies, including EDF, State Energy Group, China Three Gorges, and China Huaneng, ranked in the top tier based on comprehensive scores across various indicators [18]. - The report highlights that while domestic companies are expanding their production capabilities, foreign companies are experiencing challenges in integrating renewable energy into existing grids [30][76]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The report identifies key development themes for Chinese power companies in 2026, emphasizing the need for energy security and modernization [6][76]. - It also notes that the growth in electricity demand is expected to boost the global nuclear power industry, with countries like France and the U.S. advancing their nuclear power strategies [79].

Core Insights - The report highlights that the electricity reform continues to deepen, and the green methanol market is on the rise [1][3] - In 2025, coal prices remained low, benefiting thermal power companies, while hydropower and nuclear power sectors showed stable operations [4][6] - The report emphasizes the investment potential in various segments of the utility industry, including thermal, hydropower, nuclear, and green energy [4][6] Thermal Power - The comprehensive electricity price for thermal power is expected to remain stable, enhancing the sector's profitability [6] - Coal prices are projected to maintain a low and fluctuating trend in 2026, with improvements in revenue structure due to rising capacity prices [6][53] - The report suggests focusing on regions with smaller electricity price reductions and companies with nationwide layouts to capture stable profits [57][63] Hydropower - The report indicates that large hydropower projects have significant dividend value, especially under low-interest conditions [78] - The construction of hydropower stations in the Lancang and Yarlung Tsangpo rivers is expected to enhance operational flexibility and profitability [75][79] Nuclear Power - The approval of new nuclear power units has become normalized, with a significant number of units under construction and planned for future operation [82][87] - The report notes that the marketization of nuclear power is increasing, with a growing proportion of market transactions [90][93] Green Energy - The report discusses the recovery of green energy installations and the impact of electricity reform on investment value [4][6] - The demand for green methanol is expected to surge due to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) net-zero framework, which aims for significant emissions reductions by 2050 [105][114] - The report highlights the strong demand for green methanol, with a projected annual demand of approximately 1,107.3 million tons from newly adopted methanol-fueled vessels [115] Waste Incineration - The waste incineration sector is entering a mature phase, with an increase in cash flow and potential for higher dividend payouts [116][121] - The report notes that several companies have committed to long-term dividend plans, indicating a positive outlook for returns [121][124] - The expansion into Southeast Asia is highlighted as a growth opportunity for waste incineration companies [124]