Dear Community,

Now that we have covered and examined the energy source (nuclear) and the form of energy (industrial heat), the next logical step is energy transmission and control. The topic that is completely under the radar in most considerations but is absolutely critical to the AI and energy transition is: "HVDC & Grid-Edge-Intelligence - The New Silk Road of Electricity".

Why is this underrepresented?

Investors often buy copper mines (because of the power lines) or traditional utilities. However, hardly anyone talks about high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) and software control at the end points of the grid. The problem is that we often produce electricity where no one needs it (offshore wind farms, desert solar) and consume it where there is no room for power plants (AI data centers, megacities). Conventional alternating current loses too much energy over long distances. HVDC is the solution - and only a handful of companies worldwide have mastered this technology.

1. the hardware giants of the "electricity highways" (HVDC)

Prysmian ($PRY (+0,38%) )

The Italian world market leader is the backbone of global networking. They are masters of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission - the only technology for transporting electricity over thousands of kilometers almost loss-free. Prysmian is a global manufacturer of cables and systems for energy transmission, distribution and telecommunications. The company develops, produces and supplies high- and low-voltage cables, submarine cables and fiber optic systems for grids and industrial applications.

• Customers & sales: Customers are energy suppliers, project developers, construction and industrial companies as well as telecommunications providers. The business model combines large-scale projects with series production and includes engineering, installation and after-sales services.

• Revenue model: Revenue is generated through product and system sales, project-based turnkey contracts, service and maintenance agreements and long-term supply contracts. Differentiation is achieved through R&D (research & development), specialized technologies and a global logistics network.

• Strategy: Prysmian's strategic focus is on infrastructure projects, grid electrification, digitalization and sustainable solutions to support the energy transition.

• Current situation: The company generates record sales (approx. €18-20 billion) through major projects such as the German "SuedLink" or offshore wind connections. Its lead lies in 525 kV technology.

• Opportunities: An order backlog that extends until 2028/2029 provides enormous planning security. Analysts see further potential in 2026, as the demand for submarine cables for interconnectors is growing at a double-digit rate.

• Risks: High capital commitment and dependence on commodity prices for copper and aluminum.

NKT A/S ($NKT (+1,59%) )

A Danish cable specialist that is considered a "pure play" in network expansion.

• Core business & offering: NKT develops, manufactures and supplies high-voltage cables and complete cable systems for the transmission of electrical energy - both onshore and submarine cables for grid connections and offshore wind farms. The range includes engineering, production, cable accessories, testing, logistics and turnkey project management including cable laying and commissioning.

• Markets & revenue model: The main customers are grid operators, energy suppliers and renewable energy developers. Revenue is generated from project-based contracts and long-term service and maintenance agreements. Differentiation is achieved through technical expertise, vertical integration and life cycle services. NKT also focuses on digitalization for monitoring as well as material and energy efficiency.

• Business model focus: NKT concentrates purely on high-voltage solutions. As global production capacities for these cables are extremely scarce, NKT has exceptional pricing power.

• Opportunities: The company is benefiting massively from the EU grid expansion plan. Price targets for 2026 are in some cases 20-25% above the current level.

• Risks: Project risks when laying cables in the sea can lead to expensive delays.

2. intelligence at the edge of the grid (Grid-Edge & Infrastructure)

Hubbell Inc. ($HUBB (-0,46%) )

Hubbell is the secret king of US infrastructure. They make everything you need to physically connect data centers and renewables (insulators, switches, poles). Hubbell is an industrial manufacturer that designs, produces and distributes electrical and electronic products for residential, commercial, industrial and utility applications. The product portfolio ranges from plug-in and connection solutions to components for high-voltage grids.

• Business model: Revenue is generated through the sale of hardware and related components to electrical companies, construction and industrial customers via direct sales, distributors and OEM partnerships (original equipment manufacturers). Supplementary services and after-sales support strengthen customer loyalty. Product development, manufacturing and an international production and sales network are core activities.

• Leverage: The "US Infrastructure Act" means that billions flow into their products. With software solutions such as Aclara360, they are also digitizing the end points of the grid (grid edge).

• Growth & strategy: Focus on technological progress, targeted acquisitions to expand the product range and positioning in grid modernization drive organic growth; operational efficiency and market-oriented innovations support returns.

• Opportunities: High pricing power and a very defensive customer base (US utilities).

• Risks: Focus on North America makes it vulnerable to local economic downturns.

Eaton ($ETN (-1,06%) )

Eaton is the specialist for power management in data centers. They ensure that the power peaks from AI servers (AI power bursting) do not burst the local network.

• Core activity: Eaton develops and sells solutions for the efficient, safe and reliable distribution, control and storage of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical energy. The portfolio includes switchgear, protection and control devices, power distribution and energy storage systems as well as components for the aviation industry.

• Revenue model: The model combines product sales, system integration, engineering services, after-sales services and software platforms for utilities, industry, data centers and transportation. Revenues are generated from product sales, project-related integrations, recurring service contracts and software licenses.

• Focus: They are driving the shift from AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) within data centers, which dramatically increases efficiency. Research, acquisitions and partnerships strengthen technological differentiation.

• Opportunities: Eaton is at the center of the AI boom. Anyone who wants to build data centers cannot ignore its hardware.

• Risks: The share is no longer a bargain in 2026; expectations are high.

3. software & virtual power plants

Schneider Electric ($SU (-2,08%) )

Schneider is no longer a simple industrial group, but a software giant. The company is a global provider of energy management and automation and integrates hardware, software and services.

• Offering: The offerings cover electrical distribution, building automation, industrial and data center systems. Sales are conducted via direct business, a global partner network and certified integrators.

• Digital model: With digital platforms and connected IoT solutions, Schneider delivers analytics, remote monitoring and subscription services, generating recurring software and service revenue. Through their platforms, they control millions of decentralized endpoints and integrate AI directly into the hardware (edge computing) to autonomously balance the network.

• Service & retention: Supplementary services such as consulting, installation, maintenance and lifecycle management promote energy efficiency and sustainability and secure long-term customer relationships.

• Opportunities: Market leader in the digitalization of the energy world ("Electricity 4.0").

• Risks: Geopolitical tensions can disrupt the global supply chains for its components.

Stem Inc. ($STEM (-0,99%) )

A more speculative look into the future: Stem uses the Athena AI platform to manage battery storage systems in a profit-optimized way.

• Business model: transition from pure battery vendor to high-margin software provider (SaaS).

• Opportunities: When electricity prices become more volatile due to renewables (negative prices), Stem earns money through smart storage management.

• Risks: The company is still in the phase of proving lasting profitability - a classic growth stock with high volatility.

Strategic conclusion: Another physical frontier of digitalization

Looking at the analyses of recent weeks, one thing becomes clear: energy generation (nuclear power) and energy use (industrial heat/AI) are only worth as much as the network that connects them. The companies presented here are the "toll booths" on the electricity highways of the future.

While software scaling is almost infinite, the hardware world is reaching its physical limits. The massive investment backlog in global power grids and the immense hunger of AI data centers make these infrastructure assets the real gatekeepers of transformation. Investing in HVDC cables, smart transformers and grid software is not betting on the next short-lived trend, but on the indispensable foundation of our modern civilization. The valuation of some stocks may seem high by historical standards, but we are only at the beginning of a decade in which the physical networking becomes the most valuable asset of the global economy.

My favorites: Focus on growth & bottlenecks

Many of you ask which companies I would personally invest in. If I look at the list through the growth perspective two names stand out in particular: Eaton and NKT A/S. Here is the reason for my choice:

1. Eaton ($ETN (-1,06%) ): The accelerator of AI infrastructure

For me, Eaton is currently the company with the strongest momentum in the data center sector.

• Growth levers: While the traditional industrial business is solid, demand in the AI sector is exploding. AI servers require a completely new electrical architecture - from higher power density to direct cooling and DC integration.

• The potential: Eaton is massively expanding its capacity and can push through exceptionally high margins due to the enormous urgency in building new AI hubs. If you are betting on the physical foundation of the AI turnaround, this is where you will find the highest operational potential. It would be my "base investment" for stable excellence in the data center market.

2. NKT A/S ($NKT (+1,59%) ): The "pure play" bottleneck

Compared to industry giant Prysmian, NKT is smaller, more focused and therefore much more agile - an ideal scenario for growth investors.

• Growth leverage: We are experiencing an extreme shortage of high-voltage cables worldwide. As a "pure play", NKT is concentrating precisely on this segment and is massively expanding its capacities (e.g. through new factory towers in Germany and Sweden) in order to work off the huge mountain of orders.

• The potential: The market for HVDC cables is an oligopoly of only 3-4 serious players worldwide. Almost every additional euro of demand flows directly into the profit margin. Although growth is capped by physical production, the predictability of double-digit growth is extremely high due to the massive demand overhang.

I would therefore point to a combination of physical necessity and technological bottleneck and technological bottleneck: Eaton secures the power supply of the AI data centers, while NKT supplies the indispensable hardware for the global power highways. Two companies that not only benefit from the trend, but make it possible in the first place.

So I pass the question on to you: have we underestimated the physical effort of the energy transition so far? If we have to build electricity highways across continents and oceans, who do you think are the absolute basic investments that will be essential if we want to keep the lights on in 2030? I look forward to your comments and strategies!

Best regards ✌🏼

Anderlé

Hello everyone,

I am about to make a major change to my portfolio. I have been planning for years to increase the number of shares I hold from 25 to 30 when I exceed the €70,000 mark. The main reasons for this are to spread the risk across more stocks and to be able to invest in new companies without selling old ones, which is usually the rule for me. Now I've been thinking about what other goal I want to pursue with this expansion in addition to the "big strategic" goals. The result is as follows:

- More focus on Europe; reduction of the USA

- Tend to be more defensive; establishment before fantasy

- AI hype may (but does not have to) be integrated, but must not be the unique selling point of the shares

- Should not change my average dividend yield of approx. 2.2-2.3% significantly upwards or downwards

I picked a total of 50 stocks from my watchlists and looked to see which ones fulfill this requirement and which ones would work for me as a 5-pack. I would then add these to the portfolio over the next six months. The results are as follows:

Siemens $SIE (-0,9%)

Volkswagen $VOW (-1,16%)

Continental $CON (+0,53%)

Hoshizaki $6465 (+1,42%)

Arteche Lantegi $ART (+2,29%)

Just missed out:

Interroll $INRN (-2,16%)

Prysmian $PRY (+0,38%)

Kemira $KEMIRA (+0,18%)

S&P Global $SPGI (+2,37%)

Technoprobe $TPRO (-0,66%)

Now my question, is the plan solid for you? Would you do anything differently in terms of strategy or stock selection? And what are you currently looking for when buying new shares?

LG DieEnte7

For centuries, the North Sea has been regarded as a rough marginal sea. Now it is set to become the heart of Europe's energy supply. There are already 1600 wind turbines off the coasts, but this is just the beginning: electricity generation from offshore wind power is to be increased almost tenfold by 2050. This was decided by the energy ministers at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg on Monday.

The pact has the clear aim of dovetailing energy and industrial policy with increasingly important security interests. The ministers' plans go far beyond wind farms. The North Sea is to become a cross-border electricity hub that will make Europe less dependent on fossil fuel imports, stabilize electricity prices and give industry long-term planning security.

It is a course-setting move that is also being perceived on the financial markets. The long-term expansion plans are changing expectations for a sector that already celebrated a strong comeback last year. The industry is receiving an additional tailwind from the rapidly growing and ongoing energy requirements of digital technologies of the future, above all artificial intelligence, whose data centers require enormous amounts of reliable and affordable electricity. The sector is currently experiencing the perfect moment to become the new megatrend itself.

This should give investors hope, especially in combination with upcoming projects such as the North Sea Pact. After all, this involves up to 100 gigawatts of generation capacity being made available across borders. This would give both the wind energy and grid industries planning and investment security beyond 2030.

In return, the industry undertakes to reduce the costs of electricity generation by a total of 30 percent by 2040. In addition, around 9.5 billion euros are to be invested in new production capacities in Europe by 2030 and 91,000 additional jobs are to be created. According to "Wind Europe", a wind association, 32 million households can already be supplied with electricity from offshore wind energy today. With 300 gigawatts in 2050, this figure could grow to more than 330 million.

It is a new long-term perspective in the sector that should arouse the curiosity of private investors. It feeds the hope that the financial recovery in the sector reflects a lasting change in fundamentals - and that it will not fade away as quickly as it started. For example, UBS expects earnings growth in Europe this year. "The most attractive opportunities come from renewable energies and structural investments in Europe," says strategist Gerry Fowler.

Renewable energies are particularly in focus, supported by more than two trillion euros of investment in power grids and clean energy. Electrification companies are likely to benefit from supportive regulation and continued infrastructure spending.

The strategist leads Energias de Portugal
$EDP (+2,69%) as an example. EDP is one of the largest energy suppliers in Europe. With a market value of 17.5 billion euros, the company is currently the most valuable Portuguese company. The shares are currently trading at 4.24 euros. That is an increase of 6 percent since the beginning of the year and an increase of 50 percent in the past year. And: according to analysts, EDP's potential has not yet been exhausted. Ten experts recommend buying the share. The average target price is around 4.6 euros, with some firms even expecting the share to rise to around 5.9 euros. The Group's dividend yield is 4.7 percent.

According to Gerry Fowler from UBS, the general conditions are currently creating new global champions in the areas of renewable energies, electrification, defense and infrastructure. He specifically highlighted European stocks such as Acciona
$ANA (+1%) and Rexel
$RXL (-0,07%) as companies that are turning local advantages into international growth. Another example is Prysmian $PRY (+0,38%). The Italian company is the world's largest and most successful manufacturer of energy and telecommunications cables. The shares are trading at 98.06 euros, up 9 percent since the beginning of the year.

While UBS is putting the green underdogs in the spotlight, other analysts continue to focus on big names such as Siemens Energy $ENR (-1,67%), Ørsted $ORSTED (+0,71%) and Engie (GDF Suez) $ENGI (+2,83%).

Also First Solar
$FSLR (-0,99%) analysts also believe that First Solar will achieve a turnaround after a weak start to the new year with a drop of 11 percent. With a market capitalization of around 26 billion US dollars, the solar giant production power plant for large-scale systems is a heavyweight. Analysts are expecting a sharp jump in profits.

Earnings per share are expected to rise from an estimated USD 14.61 last year to USD 23.30 this year. An increase of more than 56 percent. The drivers are the high order backlog and new production capacities, including a planned 3.7 gigawatt factory in the USA, with which the company intends to convert additional demand directly into revenue.

The analysts also see potential in Longi Green Energy Technology $601012. The Chinese company specializes in the manufacture and sale of photovoltaic panels and solar energy products. The company is not only active on the Asian market, but is also increasingly present on the global market.

Source text (excerpt) & graphic: WELT

Wait for a setback

I have been waiting for ages for a real setback at $CENER (-1,13%) but it didn't really want to come. Now I'm going to place three tranches, the first today at a fairly high price. But I really want to be invested in this segment.

Many people probably know the $PRY (+0,38%) or $NKT (+1,59%) - Similar to these companies, the Belgian company Cenergy is involved in infrastructure expansion.

- Hellenic Cables (cables):

Production of onshore and offshore power cables as well as fiber optic cables.

Focus: Particularly strong in the area of submarine cables for connecting offshore wind farms and the global expansion of power grids.

Customers here are primarily large grid operators and energy companies:

Northern Europe & North Sea:

Germany (Amprion, TenneT, 50Hertz), Great Britain (SSE),

Denmark (Orsted, Energinet) and Belgium (Elia).

These are mostly offshore wind farms.

USA: This is a rapidly growing market. Cenergy is currently building its own plant in Baltimore (Maryland) to serve projects such as the Dominion Energy wind farm off the US coast.

Southern Europe: Primarily Greece (IPTO / ADMIE) for the interconnection of the Greek islands.

- Corinth Pipeworks (steel pipes):

What they do: Manufacture high-quality steel pipes for energy transportation.

Focus: Pipelines for natural gas, oil and increasingly also for the transportation of hydrogen as well as for CO2 capture and storage projects (CCS).

Here, customers come from the gas, oil and hydrogen infrastructure sector:

USA & America: large US energy companies such as Chevron (Gulf of Mexico) and ExxonMobil (projects in Guyana).

We are also active in South America (e.g. Argentina for Vaca Muerta).

Europe: Important European transmission system operators such as Snam (Italy), Gasunie (Netherlands/Germany) and Enagás (Spain). Many of these orders are for "H2-ready" pipelines (suitable for hydrogen).

Australia & Middle East: Here, the company regularly supplies pipelines for complex onshore and offshore projects.

Cenergy has managed to significantly increase profitability:

Net margin: this has increased from around 1.5% (2022) to an impressive ~7.7% (2024). For the first nine months of 2025, net profit was even up 47% on the previous year, indicating a further margin expansion.

EBITDA margin: Adjusted EBITDA was most recently (9M 2025) around 17%.

The reason for this is the project mix:

Cenergy focuses on highly complex projects (e.g. interconnectors in the deep sea) where there is less competition and higher prices.

Economies of scale: Factories are working to capacity (order backlog of €3.3 billion), which reduces fixed costs per unit.

Debt is also very well under control despite the growth expenditure.

I hereby hope that the share price will soon grant me my second tranche...

Have fun with your research!

Hello my dears,

I'm still here for you during the Christmas week, working on new company presentations.

Last week COPILOT told me

" Increase energy sector "

Anyone who knows me knows that I like to look at the scoop suppliers.

And so my idea today is also a scoop on the energy sector.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this long-established company in the comments.

My dear @EpsEra do you know the company and what is your opinion?

$PLPC (+4,78%)

Preformed Line Products' business model is based on the manufacture of critical components for power, telecommunications and broadband infrastructure. The company benefits from the global demand for the expansion and modernization of power grids and communication infrastructures. Impressive figures were presented in the second quarter of 2025. Sales increased by 22% to USD 169.6 million compared to USD 138.7 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Net profit grew by 35% to USD 12.7 million.

Preformed Line Products: The invisible infrastructure winner - Why the company is benefiting from global megatrends

The company is benefiting from the global need to modernize aging power grids and expand fiber optic networks. It is regarded as a leading supplier of essential components for these projects. Demand is secured in the long term by megatrends such as the energy transition and advancing digitalization, which offers the company a stable basis and long-term growth opportunities. PLPC is characterized by its strong focus on research and development, which has led to numerous patents and technological progress.

PLP protects the world's most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company's precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to work better and last longer. With locations in over 20 countries, PLP operates as a unified global company, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers worldwide.

PLP's critical infrastructure solutions serve a wide range of customers, including:

• Utilities
• Telecommunications network operators
• Cable television and broadband service providers
• Construction contractors
• Agricultural businesses
• Businesses and business networks
• Government agencies
• Educational institutions

Founded in 1947, PLP's flexibility and global presence enables the company to respond quickly and accurately to customer needs. Modern manufacturing technologies ensure that PLP can quickly and efficiently produce a variety of products to meet market needs worldwide. PLP is certified by a leading certification body (ABS Quality Evaluations) to the international standard ISO 9001:2015 and meets or exceeds testing requirements as defined globally and locally.

An unwavering commitment to quality is not just a goal at PLP, it is the guiding principle of everything we do. You can rest assured that the reliability of our products and the dedication of our employees are the things that make PLP "the connection you can count on.®"

What was the performance of the Preformed Line Products share?

Current year +53.33 %

2024 -1,64 %

2023 +56,41 %

2022 +43,12 %

2007-2008 Alternative energies

After years of researching the solar energy market, just the right partner was found. DPW Solar, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was acquired in 2007. DPW Solar specializes in the development, design and installation of turnkey photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. It is also a major manufacturer of photovoltaic racks, equipment and battery enclosures. In 2008, we began marketing our solar capabilities under the PLP Solar brand to our traditional electric utility customers and distributors.

2009 - 2010 Global expansion

PLP continued to strengthen its ability to respond to market needs both globally and locally,

In 2009, PLP acquired the Dulmison product line and its facilities in Indonesia and Malaysia. Dulmison was a former licensee from 1960 to 1977 and subsequently became a strong competitor in both the gearbox and distribution markets. The successful seven-year acquisition project strengthened PLP's position in the energy market, now offering the most comprehensive product line in the industry.

2010 ended with another acquisition, Electropar, a company that designs, manufactures and markets pole line and substation hardware for the global power distribution industry. Electropar is headquartered in New Zealand and has a subsidiary in Australia. This acquisition strengthened Preformed's position in the power distribution, transmission and substation hardware markets across the Asia Pacific region and will provide a strong and established channel in New Zealand for PLP's global offerings.

2012 Ranchmate® expands markets for specialty industries

Ranchmate®, launched by PLP in 2012, is an innovative product line for the construction and repair of wire fencing. Ranchmate enables farmers and ranchers to build and repair wire fencing in the same way that utility lines have been erected and lines tied down for years. This product line became PLP's first entry into the retail market.

2013 PLP France established and global headquarters expanded

PLP France was established at INNEOS in February 2013 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Preformed Line Products. PLP has always marketed a wide range of transmission, distribution and communication products to the French market, and this new location will enhance the excellent customer service PLP provides to its customers.

PLP completed an addition to its Global Headquarters that included a major expansion of its laboratory and test facility.

2014 PLP acquires HELIX Canada and builds a new injection molding facility at the Rogers Manufacturing Plant

In February 2014, PLP acquired Helix Uniformed Limited, based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. HELIX Uniformed Limited's extensive research and engineering expertise and established manufacturing operations will greatly enhance the service and support PLP provides to its customers in the Canadian market.

A new 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art injection molding facility was completed at PLP Rogers, Arkansas.

2019 PLP acquires MICOS Telecom

Global expansion continues in April 2019 when PLP signs an agreement with MICOS TELCOM S.R.O. in PROSTĚJOV, Czech Republic. The acquisition complements PLP's existing product base, as Micos is a leading manufacturer of passive components for high-speed telecommunications networks.

2019 PLP acquires SubCon electrical installations

The acquisition of SubCon expanded technical expertise in high voltage AC and DC substation systems and brought together a talented group of technical professionals with knowledge of substation products, technologies and customers.

2023 PLP acquires Pilot Plastics

The Pilot acquisition expands PLP's injection molding capabilities and further expands the company's extensive manufacturing footprint. Located in Peninsula, Ohio, it joins Rogers, Arkansas, and Albemarle, North Carolina, to become PLP's third U.S. manufacturing facility.

Today - the connection you can rely on®.

As for the future, Winston Churchill once said, "The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see." At Preformed Line Products, we can look back on our first 75+ years and know that our future is strong and bright. Built on an entrepreneurial foundation of innovation, quality and service, we are uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of the next generation.

While much about the future is unknown, we can expect the continued growth of foreign markets, industry consolidation, regulatory changes and new technologies to be part of the picture. As the boundaries between the energy and telecommunications industries blur, we see this as an opportunity to consolidate our position as a leader in the protection of conductors and cables, regardless of industry. Our commitment to research and design keeps PLP at the forefront of our customers' minds.

Our past has prepared us to anticipate change, see it as an opportunity and meet it with the same diligence that Tom Peterson brought to his first product design. The talent, commitment and dedication of our people are unmatched anywhere in the world. At home or abroad, PLP is the connection you can rely on.

USD in millions USD

Estimates

Year
Turnover
Change in

2025 677

2026 770 13,74 %

2027 829 7,66 %

Year
EBIT
Change in

2025 79,5

2026 91,9 15,6 %

2027 101 9,9 %

Year Net resultChange in

2025 35 - 5,65 %

2026 50 42,86 %

2027 56 12 %

Year
CAPEX
Free cash flow

2025 33 49

2026 29 42

2027 31 44

years
EBITDA margin (%))Earnings per share

2025 11,74 % 7,08

2026 11,94 % 10,17

2027 12,18 % 11,28

Year
P/E RATIO
PEG

2025 30.4x -5.43x

2026 21.2x 0.5x

2027 19.1x 1.7x

Market value 1,055

No. of shares (in thousands) 4,902

Sector
P/E RATIO

Prysmian $PRY (+0,38%) 20,05x

Friedrich Vorwerk $VH2 (-1,27%) 27,83x

25Q3 - PLP Investor Presentation

PLP UND LIGHTERA KÜNDIGEN BAHNBRECHENDES KOMPATIBILITÄTSPROGRAMM FÜR FTTX-GEHÄUSE UND ROLLBARE FLACHBANDKABEL AN – PLP

PLP ERWEITERT DIE EUROPÄISCHEN AKTIVITÄTEN MIT NEUER EINRICHTUNG IN POLEN UND GRÖSSEREM UPGRADE IN SPANIEN – PLP

PLP KÜNDIGT DIE ÜBERNAHME VON JAP TELECOM - PLP AN

PLP BRINGT DAS WELTWEIT ERSTE SELBSTBEDIENUNGSDROHNEN-KIT ZUR INSTALLATION VON VOGELUMLEITUNGEN AUF OBERLEITUNGEN HERAUS – PLP

PLP WIRD DER ERSTE HERSTELLER VON FASERVERSCHLUSS- UND MASTLEITUNGSHARDWARE, DER DIE BABA-KONFORMITÄT FÜR DAS US-PERLENPROGRAMM SELBST ZERTIFIZIERT – PLP

PLP STARTET AEOLUS:™ EINEN REVOLUTIONÄREN DURCHBRUCH IN DER BEWEGUNGSANALYSE VON OBERLEITUNGSLEITERN – PLP

PLP UND FULCRUMAIR ENTHÜLLEN BAHNBRECHENDES ROBOTERSYSTEM ZUR INSTALLATION VON VOGELLENKERN AN OBERLEITUNGEN

PLP UND FULCRUMAIR VERÖFFENTLICHEN WELTWEIT DAS ERSTE ROBOTISCHE INSTALLATIONSSYSTEM FÜR OBERKOPF-STROMLEITUNGSABSTANDSHALTER

PLP KÜNDIGT ÜBERNAHME VON PILOT PLASTICS AN

Good morning, dear getquin community.

I've been looking closely at the CSP hybrid ecosystem from China recently and listened to an interesting article by futurologist Lars Thomsen. Today I would like to tell you why I think this system is one of the most exciting energy projects of the coming years. I don't want to withhold the results of this research from you.

Before we get into the topic, a quick word about the last post.

Thank you for your strong interaction, support, likes and participation. It was good to see that so many of you sent a clear signal to getquin to finally get things moving. It was just as nice to see that it @Tenbagger2024 motivated you to carry on and give new impetus. It's moments like this that keep the community together.

Speaking of momentum.

Today I'm giving you a new one. Because what is currently being built in China is more than just an energy project. It is a blueprint for an infrastructure that, in my eyes, puts coal and nuclear power plants in the shade.

Before we start, a quick note. I already wrote a first post on this topic. I'm now building on this, but in a much more comprehensive, clearly structured way and with more details so that the connections are easier for you to grasp.

I also @SAUgut777 had already addressed the topic back then, so I would like to mention him here as well. I'm including the link to my earlier article, China is reshaping the sun and Energy 4.0 Part 1. https://getqu.in/OIMCfh/
https://getqu.in/G4f1Tk/

The global energy transition will not be won by individual technologies but by integrative systems that must fulfill two decisive factors: Scalability and base load capability . What we are currently seeing in China is the construction of the most modern energy infrastructure that radically solves the decades-old problem of solar and wind volatility. Not with wind turbines and solar panels alone, but with a system that supplies base load, integrates storage and enables scaling. The centerpiece is the CSP Hybrid Ecosystemin which solar thermal energy, photovoltaics and gigantic battery storage units are combined to create a continuous 24/7 power source power source.

Technically explained: The new paradigm is the CSP hybrid ecosystem. It combines the rapidly erected photovoltaic (PV) fields with the thermal storage of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants and complements both with massive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This intelligent coupling provides stable electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and makes the system a direct and superior competitor to coal and nuclear power.

How the system works

1. mirrors collect sunlight

The surface at the bottom left consists of many movable mirrors (heliostats, point 1).

They are constantly aligned with the sun and focus the light onto the top of the tower (reflected sunlight, point 2).

2. the tower heats a heat medium

The solar oven (3) is located at the top of the tower.

There, the concentrated light hits a system of pipes through which a heat-conducting fluid runs (typically molten salts or oil).

This fluid becomes extremely hot, often several hundred degrees (4).

3. heat is converted into vapor

At the bottom of the building, the hot fluid transfers its energy to water in the steam generator (6), turning it into steam under high pressure (7). Pumps (5) keep the cycle going: hot fluid → cooled fluid → back up into the tower.

4. turbine and generator produce electricity

The pressurized steam drives a turbine (8). The turbine is connected to a generator (10), which converts the mechanical energy into electricity.

5. steam is liquefied again

The steam then enters the condenser (9), cools down and becomes water again. Then it goes back into the steam generator.

6. feed into the power grid

The electricity is brought to a higher voltage via a transformer (11) and fed into the grid via the high-voltage lines (12).

The gigawatt comparison and the true added value. A modern nuclear power plant constantly supplies around 1 GW to 1.6 GW of power. This output is continuous but extremely expensive, inflexible and ties up capital for over a decade. A CSP hybrid park in the Chinese desert can achieve a peak output of 5 GW. However, the real added value is the guaranteed base load capacity of 1 GW to 3 GW that can be called up 24/7 thanks to integrated thermal storage and batteries. This intelligent coupling provides stable electricity and makes the plant a direct and superior competitor to coal and nuclear power. This is the disruptive difference: the new generation delivers the same necessary base load but with much higher capital efficiency and 10 years shorter construction time. This makes nuclear power plants an outdated investment model.

The economic key lies in China Speed. It takes ten to 15 years for a nuclear power plant to produce any electricity at all. The Chinese mega bases reach base load capability in 18 to 24 months. This rapid time to market reduces capital costs and raises profitability to a level that is unattainable for traditional power generation.

🌍 Globalization of the Sun Belt: 8 investment pillars

China is exporting the hybrid model to the entire global sunbelt. MENA, North Africa, South America, Australia and Central Asia are among the new core markets. The pipeline is growing every year. The investment opportunities lie in the 8 fundamental pillars that make this infrastructure possible:

1. optics and mirror technology - These companies provide the optical basis for every CSP park

Big players

$SGO (-3,01%) Saint-Gobain (EPA: SGO) - France - World leader in specialty glass and high-tech materials. Supplies glass solutions and coatings for heliostats and CSP mirror systems.

Schott AG - Germany, private - Specialty glass and receiver tubes for many of the existing CSP plants. Key role in collector efficiency and lifetime.

Hidden champions

Rioglass Solar - Spain, private - Market leader for curved mirrors and receiver components especially for CSP parks. Strong in projects in Spain, MENA and Latin America.

Flabeg FE - Germany, private - High-precision mirrors for solar thermal energy. Supplies optics that directly determine the efficiency of power plants.

$000012 CSG Holding - China, Shenzhen - Large Chinese glass manufacturer with a growing focus on solar and CSP glass products.

2. storage chemistry and thermal media - They supply the chemical storage media for molten salt storage and heat transfer

Big player

$NTR (+1,84%) Nutrien (NYSE: NTR / TSX: NTR) - Canada - One of the largest fertilizer and nitrate suppliers in the world. Supplies nitrates for thermal storage and molten salt mixtures.

$YAR (+2,07%) Yara International (OSE: YAR) - Norway - Global fertilizer company. Produces nitrates and nitrogen chemicals that can be used in molten salt storage facilities.

$OCI (-1,1%) OCI N.V. (AMS: OCI) - Netherlands - Produces hydrogen and natural gas-based products, including nitrogen chemicals for thermal storage solutions.

Hidden Champions

$SQM (+2,13%) Sociedad Química y Minera (NYSE: SQM) - Chile - Lithium and specialty chemicals producer. Supplies lithium and nitrate salts for battery and thermal storage.

$MIN (-6,59%) Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) - Australia - Combines lithium mining and processing. Important for lithium-based storage chains.

$SOLB (-0,04%) Solvay (EBR: SOLB) - Belgium - Specialty chemicals and heat transfer fluids, relevant for CSP and storage applications.

3. battery and energy storage systems (BESS) - The combination of BESS and thermal storage is the real 24/7 engine of CSP parks

Big player

$3750 (+0,29%) CATL - China - World market leader for EV batteries and large-scale storage. Supplies complete BESS systems for grids and CSP hybrid parks.

$1211 (+0,22%) BYD Co Ltd - China - Integrated battery and system provider. Provides energy storage systems for industrial and utility-scale applications.

$373220 LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) - South Korea - Global cell supplier with a strong focus on high-performance cells for e-mobility and stationary storage.

$SMSN (-0,93%) Samsung SDI (KRX: 006400) - South Korea - Premium cells and modular storage solutions for grid and industrial applications.

Hidden Champions

$FLNC (+2,22%) Fluence Energy (NASDAQ: FLNC) - USA - Joint venture between Siemens Energy and AES. Market leader in turnkey large-scale storage projects and operating software.

Powin Energy - USA, private - System integrator for utility-scale storage with a strong presence in North America and Asia.

$300274 Sungrow Power Supply (SZSE: 300274) - China - Well-known for inverters, growing strongly in the area of integrated BESS solutions for large-scale projects.

4. HVDC, cables and power transmission - HVDC turns desert power into exportable base load power

Big player

$HTHIY (+0%) Hitachi Energy - Switzerland / Japan, part of the Hitachi Group $HTHIY - World leader in HVDC converters, substations and grid control.

$PRY (+0,38%) Prysmian (BIT: PRY) - Italy - Largest manufacturer of high-voltage cables and submarine cables, central role in European HVDC projects.

$NEX (+0,17%) Nexans (EPA: NEX) - France - Specialized in power and submarine cables, important for long-distance transmission of desert electricity to Europe.

$ABBN (-0,67%) ABB (SWX: ABBN) - Switzerland - HVDC converters, switchgear and grid automation for large-scale projects.

Hidden Champions

$NKT (+1,59%) NKT A/S (CPH: NKT) - Denmark - Cable specialist with a focus on high-voltage and offshore wind connections.

Taihan - South Korea, private - Major Asian manufacturer of high-voltage cables with a growing export share.

$ANA (+1%) Acciona (BME: ANA) - Spain - Not only EPC, but also active in grid connections and infrastructure for large-scale renewable projects.

5. hydrogen and Power-to-X - Surplus electricity from hybrid parks is processed into green hydrogen

Big player

$LIN (+2,4%) Linde plc (NASDAQ: LIN) - Ireland / global - The world's largest industrial gases group. Plans, builds and operates large-scale electrolysis and liquefaction plants for green hydrogen.

$NCH2 (-0,6%) thyssenkrupp nucera (XETRA: NCH2) - Germany - Specialist for multi-gigawatt scale alkaline electrolyzers, key supplier for industrial H2 projects.

$NEL (-0,99%) Nel ASA (OSE: NEL) - Norway - Pure hydrogen player with focus on electrolyzers and H2 tank infrastructure.

Hidden Champions

$PLUG (+6,67%) Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) - USA - PEM electrolysis, fuel cells and H2 infrastructure, increasingly involved in large-scale projects.

$BE (+3,02%) Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE) - USA - Develops higher efficiency solid oxide electrolyzers for industrial H2 generation.

$ITM (-2,1%) ITM Power (LSE: ITM) - United Kingdom - Focused on utility-scale PEM electrolysis, strong in European project business.

$HPUR (-0,91%) Hexagon Purus (OSL: HPUR) - Norway - Specialist in high-pressure tanks and transportation solutions for compressed hydrogen.

6. EPC, engineering and construction - These companies enable construction in less than two years

Big players

$601669 Power Construction Corporation of China (SSE: 601669) - China - One of the largest engineering and construction groups in the world. Builds dams, large-scale PV and CSP plants, including grid connection.

$601727 Shanghai Electric Group (SSE: 601727) - China - Full-service provider for CSP, turbines, storage integration and EPC services.

$ANA (+1%) Acciona (BME: ANA) - Spain - Global EPC player for solar, wind and CSP, strong in MENA and Latin America.

Hidden champions

SEPCO III - China, private - Highly specialized EPC for large power plants and CSP projects, often partner in Saudi Arabia and North Africa.

$WOR (-0,37%) Worley Limited (ASX: WOR) - Australia - Engineering and project services provider for energy infrastructure, including hybrid and storage projects.

$3996 (+0%) China Energy Engineering Corp (HKEX: 3996) - China - Large state-owned EPC group, active in the development of solar and grid projects in Asia, Africa and MENA.

7. turbines and power plant technology - CSP Hybrid is ultimately based on modern thermal power technology, only climate neutral

Big player

$ENR (-1,67%) Siemens Energy (XETRA: ENR) - Germany - Turbines, generators, switchgear and grid solutions. Core supplier for the thermal side of CSP hybrids.

$GE (-3,56%) General Electric (NYSE: GE) - USA - Steam turbines and power plant technology used directly in hybrid farms and thermal storage systems.

Hidden champions

$1072 (-3,94%) Dongfang Electric (HKEX: 1072) - China - Major turbine and power plant equipment supplier, strong in domestic market and MENA project.

$1133 (-4,17%) Harbin Electric (HKEX: 1133) - China - Manufacturer of turbines, generators and power plant components, active in large-scale conventional and renewable power plants.

8. blade manufacturers and construction materials for CSP hybrid parks

8.1 Construction and mining equipment

Big Player

$CAT (-1,11%) Caterpillar (USA, NYSE: CAT) - World's largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, dozers, excavators, dump trucks, generators. Provides heavy equipment for earthmoving, foundation construction and park infrastructure.

$6301 (-2,78%) Komatsu (Japan, TSE: 6301) - Number two worldwide in construction and mining equipment. Excavators, wheel loaders, large dump trucks and special machines used in desert projects and large construction sites.

$SAND (-1,92%) Sandvik (Sweden, OMX: SAND) - Drilling technology, rock processing, wear parts. Important for foundation construction, cable routes and the raw materials side of the value chain.

$EPI A (-2,4%) Epiroc (Sweden, OMX: EPI A) - Drilling rigs and underground equipment, wherever CSP infrastructure is built on difficult terrain.

Hidden champions

$6305 (-1,33%) Hitachi Construction Machinery (Japan, TSE: 6305) - Strong presence in Asia and MENA, large excavators and wheel loaders for deserts and large construction sites.

$DE (+1,39%) Wirtgen Group / John Deere $DE (USA) - Road construction, milling, compaction. Benefit from the expansion of access roads, platforms and logistics around CSP parks.

8.2 Steel, tubes and sections

Big player

$MT (-2,94%) ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg, NYSE: MT) - Global steel group with flat and long products. Supplies beams, sections and structural steel for tower structures, racks and infrastructure.

$5401 (+0,01%) Nippon Steel (Japan, TSE: 5401) - High-quality steel for energy and infrastructure applications, including heat-resistant steels.

$TEN (+0,84%) Tenaris (Luxembourg/Argentina, NYSE: TS) - Leading manufacturer of seamless steel tubes for energy, pipelines and high-pressure systems. Relevant for heat exchanger circuits, media pipelines and infrastructure in the CSP environment.

$VK (+4,31%) Vallourec (France, EPA: VK) - Specialty tubes and high-performance steels for energy projects, including high-temperature pipelines.

Hidden Champions

$5411 (+0,25%) JFE Holdings (Japan, TSE: 5411) - steels and tubes for large-scale projects, with a focus on Asia.

$TUB (-2,03%) Tubacex (Spain, BME: TUB) - Seamless stainless steel tubes for high temperature and corrosive environments, directly relevant for CSP heat and process piping.

$NXT Nextpower (USA) - Steel-intensive tracker systems for PV fields. Important in hybrid parks where PV and CSP are combined.

$ARRY (-2,3%) Array Technologies (USA) - Similar to Nextracker, focus on utility-scale tracking systems.

8.3 Cement, concrete and construction chemicals

Big player

$HOLN (-1,08%) Holcim (Switzerland, SIX: HOLN) - The world's leading supplier of cement and concrete. Supplies foundation concrete, specialty mortars and infrastructure construction materials for major projects, including desert locations.

$HEI (-2,52%) Heidelberg Materials (Germany, Xetra: HEI) - Strong player in Europe, North Africa and Asia. Cement, concrete and aggregates for foundations, turbine houses, storage blocks.

$CX (-2,5%) Cemex (Mexico, NYSE: CX) - Globally active in cement and concrete, supplier for infrastructure in MENA and the Americas.

$CRH (-1,01%) CRH plc (Ireland, NYSE: CRH) - Building materials group with a focus on infrastructure, road construction and precast concrete products.

Hidden Champions

$ULTRACEMCO UltraTech Cement (India, NSE) - India's largest cement manufacturer, relevant for CSP projects in the subcontinent and neighboring regions.

Votorantim Cimentos (Brazil, private / regionally listed) - Strong supplier in Latin America with a direct link to infrastructure and energy projects.

8.4 Industrial components, heat exchangers and process equipment

Big player

$ALFA (-0,07%) Alfa Laval (Sweden, OMX: ALFA) - Heat exchangers, pumps and separators. Key components for thermal storage, steam generation and process heat in CSP plants.

$FLS (+0%) Flowserve (USA, NYSE: FLS) - Pumps, valves and sealing systems for high-temperature and high-pressure circuits in energy plants.

$SPX (-0,62%) Spirax Group (UK, LSE: SPX) - Steam and condensate technology, control valves and heat exchange systems, important for the fine control of thermal circuits.

Hidden champions

$IMI (-1,64%) IMI plc (UK, LSE: IMI) - Specialty valves and control technology for the energy and process industries, especially for demanding media.

$KSB (-0,74%) KSB SE (Germany, Xetra) - Pumps and valves for the energy, water and process industries. Suitable for cooling water, heat transfer media and storage systems in CSP parks.

🎯 Conclusion and outlook

The CSP hybrid ecosystem eliminates the weaknesses of renewable energies and uses China Speed as an economic lever. This combination creates a capital efficiency that will overtake traditional energy generation in the long term. The investment opportunities range from the Asian battery giants to the European HVDC specialists.

The fundamental question is whether European regulators can adjust the speed of the approval process to allow the continent to keep up with the pace of the Sahara projects and the European EPC companies operating there, or whether the continent will be left behind in terms of energy self-sufficiency.

Takeaway

The real investment case lies in the efficiency superiority of the CSP hybrid system. The ability to provide gigawatts of base load within two years, coupled with thermal storage and BESS, makes this infrastructure one of the strongest energy models of the future. This benefits optics, chemistry, BESS, HVDC, hydrogen, EPC and turbine manufacturers.

Sources: own research + IEA, IRENA, NREL, Fraunhofer ISE, SolarPACES, World Bank, Ember Climate, company reports & technical documentation of the companies mentioned.

Image: https://videos.winfuture.de/27754.mp4

Getty Images, Illustrative image - JLStock / Shutterstock.com

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