Buick Electra Electric Crossover Concept Enjoys Global Premier

SHANGHAI, Oct 21, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – The Buick Electra concept vehicle enjoyed a global premiere in Shanghai. The all-electric crossover offers a sneak peek at Buick's vision for a new intelligent electric future.









"Today, Buick's innovative thinking and imagination of future intelligent mobility have reached the next level with the Electra," said Sam Basile, executive vice president of SAIC-GM. "I am confident that the aesthetics and technology innovations reflected on the Electra will ultimately help reset consumers' expectations, just as all previous Buick concepts have done."

Adopting the new "potential energy" design language, the Electra emphasizes clean and bold styling with seamless integrated technology. It comes with a new-generation electric propulsion system and the advanced Ultium battery, along with a variety of connected and intelligent driving technologies, demonstrating Buick's ongoing evolution toward the future of personal mobility.

"Building on Buick's proven leadership in electrification, the Electra represents the brand's ambition to bring together beautiful styling and intelligent connectivity in the new era of zero emissions," said Molly Peck, executive director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM.

"The advanced Ultium battery unlocks the exciting new possibilities for what future EVs will look like. The Electra fully leverages state-of-the-art technology to set a new standard for future EV design and personal mobility."

The Electra is the latest global concept vehicle developed by GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) automotive engineering and design joint venture in Shanghai, backed by GM's global resources. It is named after an iconic Buick flagship model that originally represented one of the three shields in the brand's logo.

Forward-looking design inspired by a space capsule

Combining the athletic look of a four-seat crossover with Gran Turismo aesthetics, the Electra previews Buick's next-generation design language for electric vehicles.

Adopting a pure design philosophy, the Electra has clean and minimalist styling inspired by a space capsule. The evolving sculptural beauty is distinguished by a spacious glass interior pod situated in an aerodynamic wing-form bodyshell. The glass canopy extends from near the front of the hood to the rear.

The Electra's innovative "potential energy" design language is characterized by sculptural surfaces in front, along the sides, and in its wheels and lamps. It reinforces the elegant overall shape while emphasizing the dynamic stance like an arrow being released. This "moving tension" is also reflected through its gradient light silver exterior tone in the front end that progressively transitions to dark silver in back.

The illuminated Buick badge integrates a flow-through design. Along with 23-inch wheels featuring an optimal design, it helps enhance aerodynamics while contributing to the Electra's futuristic look.

Its "breathing" front and rear Matrix LED lamps feature parametrical mathematic lighting strings with a three-dimensional effect. They are complemented by a full LED-illuminated grille and rear screen nameplate to provide dramatic digital lighting interaction.

The Electra's butterfly wing doors support facial recognition and provide a robust opening for convenient access. There is also a hidden floating skateboard integrated with the stoplight under the rear bumper to expand users' personal mobility options.

Zero-gravity environment with seamless technology integration

The Electra's four-seat interior takes full advantage of the all-new electric vehicle architecture developed by GM, with an optimized battery layout. Together with the lack of traditional A/B pillars, the result is a maximum extension of the cabin with a longer wheelbase, a more efficient package and a more spacious, open interior.

The Electra interior has a sculptural spaceship-like cradle, without a traditional instrument panel. The large curved display is a central feature. A retractable steering wheel and suspended seats, supported by an all-new light-weighted armature structure, creates a visual effect of zero gravity inside the cabin.

The Electra's color palette, including copper gold trim surrounding the cabin and dark trim on the exterior frame, replicates the atmosphere of outer space. The interior seamlessly integrates technologies such as a concealed air-conditioning system, ambient lighting and an electronic rearview mirror. The Electra provides functionality and convenience with features available when the user needs them.

Intuitive and immersive user experience

The Electra offers an intuitive and immersive user experience that rewards all the senses. Buick's next-generation eConnect connectivity system runs on the distinctively large retina display with industry-leading freeform curved screen technology, expanding the viewing area for the driver with an immersive visual experience.

The advanced eConnect system supports remote over-the-air (OTA) updates and enables a connected experience by providing on-demand driving information, advanced driver assistant system details and infotainment control. The introduction of a large augmented reality-enhanced head-up display with advanced live-view navigation adds to the Electra's intuitive multi-screen interactive user interface.

The Electra is also equipped with the next generation of Buick's intelligent AI Voice Assistant. Users can fully manage the vehicle's functions with smooth and precise human-machine voice interaction, such as controlling the air-conditioning, accessing home devices and adjusting the driving mode.

Advanced electrification technology and smart mobility

Leveraging GM's global EV expertise, the Electra is supported by its new-generation high-performance modular electric propulsion system. Utilizing the advanced Ultium battery, the Electra has a range of more than 660 kilometers on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes as well as family trips.

Thanks to the industry-leading wireless battery management system, the Ultium battery reduces wires within the battery by 90%. It also helps balance chemistry within the individual battery cell groups and conduct real-time battery pack checks to safeguard battery health.

The Electra's Ultium drive unit has high-performance motors in both the front and the rear to ensure optimized power output. It has maximum power of 435 kW, enabling 0-100 kilometer per hour acceleration of just 4.3 seconds.

Additional vehicle highlights for future mobility include GM's next-generation intelligent driving technology with door to-door smart mobility solutions, as well as V2X technologies, to offer a safe and intelligent ride with peace of mind.

Buick has found success offering premium SUVs and cars with sculptural designs, refined performance, modern interiors and thoughtful personal technologies. Buick's award-winning customer service and sales experience, along with the Avenir trim, the highest expression of Buick luxury, are attracting new buyers to experience Buick's unique approach to attainable luxury in North America and China. Buick has sold over 10 million vehicles in China since its introduction by SAIC-GM in 1998. More information about Buick vehicles in China, its largest market, is available at www.Buick.com.cn.

SAIC-GM Buick
Yu Qian
Qian2_Yu@SAIC-GM.com

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

EMC Provides One-stop Marketplace for Businesses to Buy Electricity and Offset Consumption

SINGAPORE, Oct 12, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Singapore's Energy Market Company (EMC) announced that organisations committed to environmental sustainability can now conveniently purchase electricity and offset their electricity consumption with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) through EMC's PowerSelect platform.



Toh Seong Wah, CEO of EMC


Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited (CDL)


His Excellency Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA)



RECs are an additional offering on the PowerSelect platform, which helps businesses efficiently source the best electricity packages across a large number of electricity retailers in Singapore. With this new service, organisations can now also access a wide range of RECs from local and overseas energy providers, and across different renewable energy sources. Increased choices for both electricity packages and RECs translate into more competitive prices for customers.

RECs are financial instruments that certify the purchase by an investor of units of electricity generated from renewable energy sources. Once the renewable energy is fed into the national power grid by the power generator, the REC can be traded as a separate energy commodity (1)(2)(Fact Sheet on RECs in Annex A).

Sound sustainability practice and corporate reputation go hand in hand

RECs support businesses towards environmental sustainability goals. In addition to enhancing corporate reputation, studies have shown that good sustainability practices can be a competitive advantage and support business growth. Organisations that have already purchased RECs from EMC include City Developments Limited (CDL), Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) in the United Arab Emirates.

Loh Boon Chye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SGX, said: "A commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices is seen as increasingly important by customers, employees and shareholders of companies, who want their investments to not only deliver a financial return, but also contribute to social goals including environmental sustainability. We are delighted that our subsidiary EMC has launched a RECs offering which helps support organisations in their sustainability goals. SGX is pleased to be EMC's first customer, offsetting the electricity consumption of our offices in FY2019/20 using locally-produced RECs, which will support the adoption of solar panels in Singapore."

Convenience and benefits of purchasing electricity and RECs through EMC

Toh Seong Wah, CEO of EMC, said: "PowerSelect is a one-stop marketplace where businesses in Singapore can competitively purchase electricity and offset their electricity consumption with RECs. While customers can purchase either product independently, they gain additional savings when they purchase both electricity packages and RECs."

"EMC is neither a buyer nor a seller of electricity or RECs. This fully independent role means EMC is able to serve as a trusted advisor to our customers, helping them navigate the electricity and RECs markets and obtain the best value for their transactions," added Mr Toh.

RECs customers benefit from EMC's large pool of local and overseas suppliers, as well as the full range of renewable energy sources including solar, wind and hydro power. Customers that require a large quantity of RECs, which individual sellers may not have, can also rely on EMC to aggregate supply.

In addition, customers save significant time and effort as EMC does all the groundwork – like liaising with RECs suppliers, obtaining and comparing prices – before recommending the RECs that best meet their requirements. Furthermore, with EMC as its contract counterparty, customers face negligible counterparty risk compared to them entering contracts with RECs sellers directly. This is especially so with overseas sellers who usually require that buyers make payment before they receive the RECs.

Customers trust EMC's experience and reputation

With almost 20 years' experience in the power sector and backed by SGX, EMC ensures its customers can buy with confidence. The RECs offered by EMC are accredited by either the International REC Standard Foundation (I-REC) or the Tradable Instrument for Global Renewables (TIGR) Registry, the two key independent global RECs accreditations that ensure verification of trades and adherence to best practices in the sector.

As awareness grows of the need to mitigate global warming and climate change, EMC's customers are recognising the importance of RECs as instruments to help demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer, City Developments Limited (CDL), said: "As a sustainability pioneer and green building champion, CDL has remained steadfast in tackling the climate crisis and reducing our carbon emissions. As the world navigates this new normal, sustainability, energy efficiency and the reduction of our carbon footprint will remain our top priorities in the way we design, build and manage our assets. Committed to embracing innovative technologies and solutions that reduce environmental impact, CDL is glad to support EMC's initiative to accelerate Singapore's transition towards a low-carbon economy increasingly powered by renewable energy."

His Excellency Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), said: "Sustainable growth and carbon neutrality are important pillars in SEWA's Vision 2025, which is our blueprint towards a globally successful, innovative and sustainable tomorrow. EMC is the ideal partner for us, as we develop our plans to show our commitment to sustainability through the use of RECs."

Governments and enterprises around the globe are increasingly taking action to reduce their carbon footprint. EMC's entry into the RECs market demonstrates its commitment to the market's growth and evolution, and the development of renewable energy at large.

– RECs, Renewable Energy Certificates : http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/FactSheet.pdf

– PowerSelect platform : https://www.powerselect.sg

– EMC, the Energy Market Company : https://www.emcsg.com

About Energy Market Company

Energy Market Company (EMC) operates the wholesale market of the National Electricity Market of Singapore (NEMS), which is Asia's first liberalised electricity market. EMC completes the connection between those who make electricity in Singapore and those who use it.

As the exchange for wholesale electricity trading, EMC provides a transparent and competitive trading platform and its key activities include calculating prices, scheduling generation, clearing and settling market transactions as well as supporting governance of the market.

In line with its mission of building successful energy markets, EMC also provides training and consultancy services to promote the development of competitive electricity markets in countries that are embarking on the path of market liberalisation.

EMC is a subsidiary of the SGX Group. For more information on EMC, please visit www.emcsg.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Winnie Tan
Vice President, Communications
Mobile: +65 9782 9705
Email: winnie.tan@emcsg.com

Carol Chong
Senior Executive, Communications
Tel: +65 6871 1857
Email: carol.chong@emcsg.com

1. PowerSelect is the most comprehensive electricity procurement portal for businesses in Singapore. It offers different procurement options (including 'live' auctions which drive prices down), access to data from the wholesale and futures electricity markets, and is supported by a good mix and number of electricity retailers in Singapore. For more information on PowerSelect, please visit the PowerSelect website.
2. RECs were created as a means of tracking and recording the amount of energy from renewable sources such as biomass, biogas, hydro-, solar- or wind-generated power, fed into national power grids.
3. Clark, G. L., Feiner, A., & Viehs, M. (2015, March). From the stockholder to the stakeholder – How sustainability can drive financial outperformance. University of Oxford and Arabesque Asset Management Ltd.



Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

6th Annual POWER WEEK ASIA Is Going Digital

SINGAPORE, Oct 6, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, POWER WEEK will be continuing our efforts to deliver POWER WEEK ASIA 2020 from 9 – 12 November 2020. As it has always been, the safety and well-being of our delegates, speakers, sponsors, and staffs remains our highest priority. We have decided to bring POWER WEEK ASIA to you live online, so that you can stay connected with the global power sector.

POWER WEEK ASIA attracts the industry leaders from national power companies, government regulators, policymakers, renewable & IPPs, investors and suppliers from around the globe. With C-level speakers and attendees all under one roof, it offers the chance to learn the success strategies and pitfalls of notable power projects.

The conference features 20+ engaging sessions covering government regulation & policy, market liberalisation, energy mix & integration, fossil fuels in power market, demand & supply, renewable energy outlook, energy transition, utility-scale solar development, wind energy, tariffs, energy storage, smart grid technologies, mini-grid & microgrid, digitalization, electric vehicles, power trading, project finance, project development, energy efficiency and many more.

Across 4 days, we will be broadcasting live interactive presentations, in-depth panel discussions, and networking sessions from leading experts across the world. Join in from wherever you are online either live or watch the sessions on-demand.

Global energy leaders who have confirmed to speak:
– Simon Li, President, Asia Pacific Project Business Unit, Trina Solar, China
– Toh Seong Wah, CEO, Energy Market Company, Singapore
– Torbjorn Kirkeby-Garstad, EVP Asia, SN Power, Philippines
– Alice Jawan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Utilities, Malaysia
– Akihiko Taniguchi, Executive Officer, Global Partnership, JERA, Japan
– Pongsakorn Yuthagovit, Assistant Governor of Planning and Power System Development, Provincial Electricity Authority, Thailand
– Arun Kumar Mishra, Director, National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM), India
– Zainal Arifin, VP, Technology Development & Standardization, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia
– Ingo Birnkraut, CEO and Managing Director, RWE Technology International, Germany
– Alejandro Hernandez, Head of Renewable Integration and Secure Electricity Unit, International Energy Agency, France
– Narsingh Chaudhary, EVP & Managing Director, Power- Asia, Black & Veatch, Thailand
– Shinichi Yasuda, SVP, Structured and Corporate Finance, Development Bank of Japan
– Martin Angelov, SVP, Asia Pacific Project Finance, Korea Development Bank
– Ram Natarajan, CEO, APAC, Mainstream Renewable Power, Singapore
– Gu-Yoon Chung, Managing Director, ENEL Green Power, Singapore
– Mohd Yusrizal Mohd Yusof, Managing Director, TNB Renewables, Malaysia
– Shalabh Singhania, Director & Head of Portfolio Management, InfraCo Asia, Singapore
– Jitendra Nalwaya, Vice President, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, India
– Bert Deprest, Head of C&I and Renewables, ENGIE South East Asia, Singapore
– Virgil Beaston, CTO, Powin Energy, United States of America
– James Colbert, Regional Director – East Asia & Pacific, Digital Grid Solutions, Schneider Electric, Australia
– Philip Napier-Moore, Programme Leader, Renewable Power, East Asia, Mott MacDonald, Thailand
– Aman Modi, Partner, Boston Consulting Group, Singapore
– Marko Lackovic, Principal, Boston Consulting Group, Singapore
– Refi Kunaefi, Managing Director, Akuo Energy, Indonesia
– Achal Sondhi, APAC Market Director, Fluence, Singapore
– Francois Espinassous, Head of Advisory, Asia Pacific Project Finance, Korea Development Bank
– David Platt, Partner, Pinsent Masons, Singapore
– Robert de Groot, Energy Storage Specialist, Mott MacDonald, Singapore
– Rahul Gupta, Solution Leader and Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company, Singapore
– Stephen Woodhouse, Director, AFRY, United Kingdom
– Johanna Heckmann, Head of Charging Infrastructure, P3 Group, Germany

The POWER WEEK ASIA will feature 3 supplementary workshops addressing cutting edge topics with Real Examples and Case Studies, including Energy Storage, Renewable Power Purchase Agreement and Renewable Energy.

POWER WEEK ASIA is the most anticipated event, not to be missed!
Email Weslyn Lee to register your attendance now. For more information, please log onto www.power-week.com/asia .

About Infocus International Group

The organiser of POWER WEEK Conferences. Infocus International is a global business intelligence provider of strategic information and professional services for diverse business communities, designed to provide insights and to assist our clients on the global stage. The major knowledge-management companies strategically based in Singapore, independently researching and producing market-driven programmes across the region mainly in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Infocus International recognises clients' needs and responds with innovative and result oriented programmes. All products are founded on high value content in diverse subject areas, and the highest level of quality is ensured through intensive and in-depth market research from local and international insights.

Any queries, please contact:
Weslyn Lee
Tel: +65 6325 0352 | Email: weslyn@power-week.com

To join the discussion:
LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6985809
Twitter: @powerweeksummit
Official Website: www.power-week.com/asia

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

China Nature Energy Technology Holdings Limited Announces Details of Proposed Main Board listing on SEHK

HONG KONG, Sep 29, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – China Nature Energy Technology Holdings Limited ("CNE" or the "Group"), a wind power and pitch control system solution provider in the PRC ranked third in the domestic pitch control system market, announced the details of its proposed listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("SEHK"). The Group primarily engages in R&D, integration, manufacture and sale of high-voltage pitch control systems for wind turbines, and offers customised integration services of major components of pitch control systems. Pitch control system is a critical electrical system in a wind turbine for real-time regulation of the wind turbine generator's rotational speed against the changing wind velocity through control of the blade angle for optimal energy capture and minimisation of potential damages against exceedingly high speed winds. Its major customers include wind turbine manufacturers and local power grid company in Inner Mongolia.

Offering Details

CNE intends to offer a total of 62,500,000 shares (subject to over-allotment option), of which 56,250,000 shares are for international placing (subject to reallocation and over-allotment option) and 6,250,000 shares are for Hong Kong public offer (subject to reallocation). Indicative Offer Price range is between HK$2.0 and HK$2.6. Excluding the underwriting fee and estimated expenses of share offer, and assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised and the offer price is HK$2.3 per share (being the mid-point of the indicative offer price range), net proceeds from the listing are estimated at approximately HK$111.5 million.

The Hong Kong public offer will commence on 29 September 2020 (Tuesday) at 9:00 a.m. and will end at noon on 8 October 2020 (Thursday). The final offer price and allotment results are expected to be announced on 19 October 2020 (Monday) and dealing of its shares is expected to commence on the Main Board of SEHK on 20 October 2020 (Tuesday). Shares will be traded in board lots of 1,000 shares each under the stock code 1597.

Fortune Financial Capital Limited is the sole sponsor. Essence International Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, Fortune (HK) Securities Limited and Guosen Securities (HK) Capital Company Limited are the joint global coordinators, joint bookrunners and joint lead managers of the listing.

Investment Highlights

One of five largest pitch control system providers in the PRC
As one of the pioneers who has realised the integration of hardware and software to offer high-voltage pitch control systems in the PRC market, CNE has been focusing on R&D on software and integration techniques for pitch control systems since 2016. As a result of its strategic focus on the development of pitch control systems, it was its primary business segment during the track record period, attributing to the majority of its revenue. According to the F&S Report, the total market size of pitch control system in the PRC was about RMB1,834.2 million in terms of sales value in 2018, among which, sales value for high-voltage pitch control systems was around RMB1,104.4 million, representing about 60.2% of the market. CNE ranked third in the pitch control system market in the PRC in terms of sales volume in 2018 with a market share of 10.5%.

Established long-term stable relationship with upstream and downstream of the value chain
The Group collaborate with KEB Group to work on the design and integration of the software and KEB Group's hardware to produce high-voltage pitch control systems that can appeal to the needs of customers. The Group has brought KEB Group to the domestic pitch control system market and established a stable and entrusted relationship with them for product offering since 2017. The Group further entered a binding ten-year framework agreement with KEB Shanghai in December 2019.

Since 2016, CNE has started manufacturing pitch control systems for Envision Group , a famous wind turbine manufacturer and wind farm operator in the world. The Group assisted Envision Group to realise its production of wind turbines in the PRC equipped with intelligent control, advanced measurement method, expert data analysis system, active performance control and reliability-based deterministic turbines, enabling its wind turbines to function at its optimal working condition for maximum power generation and long service life in an efficient manner. The Group entered a binding ten-year framework agreement with Jiangyin Envision in December 2019.

R&D and design capabilities
The Group's R&D efforts focus on integration techniques, and it has strived to R&D on different aspects of pitch control systems, in order to produce quality and reliable pitch control systems. It is also devoted to developing and updating software programmes to collect and diagnose data in order to control the blade angle for regulating the wind turbine generator's rotational speed when wind velocity changes, for optimal energy capture and minimisation of potential damages against exceedingly high speed winds. In addition, it develops simulation master control system software for function testing for its pitch control systems.

In July 2017, its R&D centre in Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province was recognised as one of the Jiangyin Engineering and Technology R&D Centre Projects approved by Jiangyin Science and Technology Bureau. In November 2018, the Group was recognised as a National New High-tech Enterprise for continuous R&D and transformative technology developments, leading to the formation of independent core intellectual property rights in one of the supported high-tech fields (such as renewable energy and energy conservation technologies) by the relevant authorities in the PRC.

As of 20 September 2020, the Group owned more than 25 patents and had 15 patents under application, as well as 10 software copyrights, relating to pitch control systems and wind energy related inventions and designs.

Strong production capabilities with comprehensive quality assurance
To ensure high quality control and improve its competitiveness, it set up its own production plant with approximately 900 square meters in Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province in 2016, and then relocated its production plant with total gross area of 3,530 square meters for expansion of its production capacity in 2018. As of 20 September 2020, it was equipped with four quality testing machines in its streamlined production line with annual capacity of 2,408 sets of pitch control systems, enabling it to implement stringent quality control measures from material inspection to examination of finished products, and comply with required standards, and then all products can proceed to the next stage of the assembling process or be packaged for delivery. Its quality control system has complied with the standard of GB/T 19001-2016/ISO9001: 2015 Quality Management Systems Requirements, and has been awarded a certificate for the design and manufacture of pitch control systems.

Experienced, stable and dedicated management team
The Group is managed by an experienced core management team, and has established a good business network with both upstream and downstream industry players along the wind power industry value chain. Under the leadership of an experienced leader, its R&D team has produced various customised high-voltage pitch control systems for customers, registered various pitch control related patents and software copyrights, and the Group was recognised as a National New High-tech Enterprise in 2018.

Future Growth Strategies

According to F&S Report, there is sufficient long-term and sustainable market demand in the wind power industry in the PRC. The Group has strived to achieve sustainable growth and further strengthen its market position in the pitch control system related manufacturing and sales business, expand its wind power generation business and continue to diversify and expand its wind power related services offerings, in order to maintain and increase long-term shareholder value and create maximum customer value. To achieve this, it will continue to actively seek for business opportunities in the wind power industry by implementing the following business strategies.

Maintains and strengthens position in pitch control system market to grow market share in the PRC
As a pitch control system supplier, demand for the Group's business is mainly driven by the sustainable demand from the wind turbine industry. The Chinese Government has recently initiated the promotion of healthy and sustainable development of wind power industry and such initiative is expected to stimulate a large number of enterprises to complete the construction of wind power projects in advance before the end of 2021 to enjoy the preferential policy, hence drive the demand for wind turbines and pitch control systems. The higher energy production efficiency and lower rate of malfunctions of high-voltage pitch control systems will help wind farms save operating costs in the long run, hence Frost & Sullivan also expects stronger demand for high-voltage pitch control systems in the long term. The share percentage of the PRC's pitch control system market is expected to increase from 63.0% in 2018 to 96.0% in 2023.

Drawing on its capability to offer high-voltage pitch control for offshore wind power projects, the Group plans to increase its market share in the expanding offshore wind power market. In addition, the Group seeks to maintain stable relations with its existing key client Envision Group and has entered a binding ten-year framework agreement with Jiangyin Envision. Given its extensive industry experience and a management team with strong servicing capabilities, the Group will continue to provide after-sales and value-added services which are tailored to customers' specific needs so as to maintain existing customer base, drive sales amount and enlarge its market share in the PRC.

Expands customer base
Regarding the pitch control system related manufacturing and sales business, other than Envision Group which is the Group's largest customer, the Group has also built business relations and entered a strategic cooperative agreement with Shanghai Electric as well as signed a sales agreement with Zhejiang Windey . Furthermore, the Group was awarded a tender for the supply of 120 sets of pitch control systems with a total contract sum of approximately RMB23.8 million. The Group will (i) develop and manufacture pitch control system prototypes for potential clients to demonstrate the quality and functionalities of its products and introduce new models or designs to potential customers and collect feedbacks; (ii) participate in various exhibitions in the wind power industry to promote the R&D involved in its products and services; and (iii) recruit additional sales personnel to establish and strengthen business relations with potential customers.

In view of the bright prospect of distributed wind farm business, the Group made strategic investments involving the interest in Datong Fengyuan and Datong Fengze in 2019. The Directors believe (i) the wind farm operation business will become a stable income source for the Group; (ii) the participation in the PRC's distributed wind farm operation business will enable the Group to diversify its customer base; and (iii) the operation of the Group's own distributed wind farms would enable it to draw on its experience in pitch control systems and operation and maintenance services to provide better services to customers and enhance its reputation in the PRC's wind power industry.

As for the wind farm operation and maintenance services business, the Group entered an agreement with Shandong Runhai Wind Power Development Co., Ltd. in March 2020 relating to the upgrade and modification of pitch control systems with a total contract sum of approximately RMB3.5 million. Looking ahead, the Group will continue to strive for the expansion of each of the add-on offerings, in particular the maintenance service and upgrade and modification works. By utilising its R&D function and with the support of experienced staff who have diverse skillsets within the wind power industry, the Group will explore the possibility of expanding its maintenance services and upgrade and also modification works to other components of wind turbines. In addition, the Group intends to recruit additional service personnel aiming to expand the scale of its wind farm operation and maintenance services.

Further strengthens R&D capability to enrich solution offering
The Group strives to provide products featuring comprehensive functions and advanced technologies at competitive prices. Apart from developing and updating software programmes to collect and diagnose data for optimal energy capture and minimisation of potential damages against exceedingly high speed winds, it has also developed simulation master control system software used for function tests of pitch control systems. The Group plans to (i) acquire additional software and testing machines for testing used in the R&D process to facilitate efficient and cost effective quality testing process while reducing the need and cost of using external testing labs; (ii) expand technical and R&D team by recruiting 13 additional personnel to serve the needs of customers in onshore and offshore wind power projects; and (iii) develop the integration technique and software for pitch drive controllers supplied by a supplier, which is specialised in the R&D and production of pitch drive controllers, frequency conversion control products, energy storage products and visual inspection system, and commercially viable pitch control systems to enhance its R&D capability and enrich its solution portfolio.

Use of net proceeds
Assuming the over-allotment option is not exercised and the offer price is fixed at HK$2.30 per share, being the mid-point of the indicative offer price range between HK$2.00 and HK$2.60 per share, net proceeds from the global offering (after deducting underwriting fees and estimated expenses in connection with the global offering) will be HK$111.5 million. The Group intends to use the net proceeds as follows:

Usage / Percentage
Purchase of core components and raw materials necessary for the production of customised high-voltage pitch control systems to fulfil the expected purchase quantities of Jiangyin Envision under the binding ten-year framework agreement: 18.7%
Diversify customer base in the pitch control system market by increasing marketing efforts: 3.6%
Invest in the development of a new distributed wind farm by Lingqiu Fengyuan in Lingqiu County in Datong of Shanxi Province: 31.2%
Recruit 70 additional service personnel to expand wind farm operation and maintenance services: 3.8%
Further strengthen R&D capability to enrich pitch control system and solution offerings: 11.4%
Repay in full a loan due to a third party by Duolun Wind Farm: 21.3%
General working capital: 10.0%

Financial Performance

RMB'000 For the year ended 31 December For the four months ended 30 April
2017 2018 2019 2019(unaudited) 2020
Turnover 57,314 144,424 222,835 36,936 51,482
Gross profit 18,871 44,503 66,397 12,125 13,395
Gross profit margin 32.9% 30.8% 29.8% 32.8% 26.0%
Profit for the year/period 7,699 27,875 42,689 7,067 4,236

China Nature Energy Technology Holdings Limited
China Nature Energy Technology Holdings Limited is a wind power and pitch control system solution provider in the PRC. The Group primarily engages in R&D, integration, manufacture and sale of high-voltage pitch control systems for wind turbines and also offers customised integration services of major components of pitch control systems. In 2018, it ranked third in the pitch control system market in the PRC in terms of sales volume.


Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Mitsubishi Chemical:Has developed new electrolyte for Tesla. The solvents and solute are supplied from Shida Shenghua

HONG KONG, Sep 20, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – A Mitsubishi Chemical (MTLHY) technical expert revealed that the important innovations of Tesla's new battery are the positive and negative electrodes and the new electrolyte. Mitsubishi Chemical has perfectly matched the electrolyte technology for the new battery. This electrolyte mainly uses new solutes and functional additives, which can greatly improve battery performance. The technical expert said that the solvent in the new electrolyte is still supplied by the Chinese company Shida Shenghua, and the amount of DMC in the solvent will be greatly increased. Beginning in 2017, Mitsubishi and Shida Shenghua have jointly developed a new type of solute. This product will soon be mass-produced, which can effectively increase battery cycle times and energy density.


Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Honghua Group Announces 2020 Interim Results, Captures Domestic Industry Opportunities to Achieve Sustainable and Rapid Development

HONG KONG, Aug 27, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – The globally leading onshore oil rig supplier Honghua Group Limited (Ticker: 196.HK, "Honghua" or "the Company") today announced unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ending on 30 June 2020 ("the period").

During the period, the Company encountered the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price fluctuation. Against such backdrop, the Company's revenue decreased 11.8% year-over-year from RMB2.048 billion to RMB1.807 billion in the first half of 2020. Gross profit was approximately RMB608 million, representing an increase of 9.1% from RMB557 million for the same period last year. The profit attributable to shareholders of the company decreased by 48.8% from RMB 61 million to approximately RMB 31 million.

BENEFITING FROM FAVORABLE DOMESTIC ENERGY STRATEGY, HONGHUA SEIZED INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND ELECTRIC FRACTURING EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES BUSINESS
During the period, Honghua's domestic business revenue continued its growth momentum, domestic business hit a new record high in revenue percentage of the Company's total revenue since its listing, reaching 55%. While closely adhering to China's energy security strategy and efforts to increase oil and gas reserve and production, the Company prioritized the business segment of equipment and services for unconventional oil and gas. In the first half of 2020, Honghua sold 2 sets of electric fracturing pumps and made the first sale of electric sand-mixing skid. To further expand the electric fracturing equipment product suite, Honghua launched electric sand conveying and storing skids, which were deployed for fracturing operation at various well sites in Sichuan and Chongqing. Benefiting from the rapidly growing demand for domestic unconventional oil and gas and electric fracturing equipment's high efficacy and eco-friendly advantages, the Company saw tremendous growth in electric fracturing pumping service, while the scope of related business reached a new horizon. In the first half of 2020, the number of electric fracturing pumping services provided by Honghua in the domestic market exceeded 2,000 stages, representing an increase of 70% over the same period last year. Honghua has once again landed fracturing engineering service projects which expanded its business scope from pumping service to a full range of fracturing services, including pumping, sand mixing, and field commend and scheduling. In the first half of 2020, the Company successfully achieved new performance records at multiple platforms. At a platform in Nanchuan, Chongqing, for example, Honghua realized the construction of seven fracturing stages in a single day – the highest single-day record in the Sichuan-Chongqing area. In the shale gas block in Fuling, Chongqing, Honghua's fracturing pumping service achieved the record of constructing five fracturing stages per day, which accelerated the fracturing speed of a single platform by 70% – achieving the speediest fracturing record in Fuling shale gas field. The rapid growth of the fracturing equipment and services business over the past six months has prompted the Company to build a new business department.

SALES OF DRILLING RIGS AND COMPONENTS WERE STEADILY IMPROVING, MEANWHILE HONGHUA ACTIVELY EXPLORED ITS POTENTIAL FOR OFFSHORE WIND POWER PROJECTS
The drilling equipment and related products business also achieved gratifying results, and the Company once again won new orders in domestic and overseas markets. In the first six months of 2020, Honghua sold 11 drilling rigs, a total sales value of approximately RMB619 million, representing a decrease of 25.3% over the same period last year. In China, the new orders for complete sets of drilling rigs reached RMB280 million. Sales revenue of parts and components totaled RMB470 million yuan, a decrease of 20.1% year-over-year. At the same time, relying on the advantages of the Company's manufacturing expertise and background as a state-owned enterprise, Honghua landed offshore wind power projects and signed offshore wind power monopiles and conduit frames orders worth RMB580 million. The Company will continue to follow favorable opportunities of China's offshore wind power policy to improve its business landscape.

OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING SERVICES OVERCAME OBSTACLES OF COVID-19 WHILE OPERATION SAFETY WAS ENSURED
In the first half of 2020, the global oil and gas services industry was in a downturn. Emerging from the impact of the pandemic, 12 drilling crews of Honghua completed approximately 56,280 meters of footage during the period, an increase of 38% over the same period last year. Revenue from engineering services totaled approximately RMB182million, representing a decrease of 5.2% over the same period last year. In the domestic market, the Company firmly implemented safety guidelines in its oil service operations and achieved organic growth. Honghua won bids for directional well service worth approximately RMB30 million. In the international market, Honghua overcame a series of difficulties and achieved growth in operating volume against the adversity.

OUTLOOK
In the second half of 2020, Honghua will continue to seize the industry opportunities arising from increasing oil and gas reserves and production under the national energy security strategy, adopt a flexible and market-oriented operation approach, and strengthen the R&D and sales of core products of drilling and completion equipment. Honghua will drive services associated with equipment and continues to increase the business scale and workload of oil and gas engineering services. At the same time, the Company will ensure satisfactory delivery of offshore wind power projects and pursue subsequent market expansion. Honghua will further enhance cost control, optimize supply chain management, improve cash turnover efficiency, and optimize personnel management system, so as to make new advances amid changes and promote the Company's high-quality sustainable development.

During the period of low/medium levels of oil prices, the Group will leverage flexible market response mechanisms and endogenous innovation momentum. While consolidating existing businesses, we will actively explore new market businesses, look for new opportunities that lie in crisis, and open up new prospects amid changes.

About Honghua Group Ltd
Honghua Group Ltd (Stock Code: 0196.HK, "Honghua") is the main platform for energy equipment development of China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation ("CASIC"). As one of the leading land drilling equipment manufacturers in the world and the largest land drilling rig exporter in the PRC, Honghua is primarily engaged in developing and manufacturing land drilling equipment (drilling rigs, parts and components as well as downhole tools, etc.), completion products (including fracture package), offshore drilling module and package as well as shale gas and oil exploration and development service. Leveraging strong R&D capability, high-quality production facilities and a mature international sales network, Honghua's products have been sold to a large number of famous enterprises all over the world, across major oil-production regions such as North America, the Middle East and emerging markets including South America, South Asia, Russia, Central Asia and Africa. In the future, Honghua will continue to focus on its key businesses while increasing the resource allocation to unconventional oil and gas business and the "energy + internet" field. Honghua aims at becoming a world leading oilfield service provider.

This press release is issued by Institutional Capital Advisory (Asia) Limited on behalf of Honghua Group Co., Ltd. For any enquiries, please contact:

Institutional Capital Advisory (Asia) Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 8028-6033
E-mail: honghua@icaasia.com


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BOC International Initiates Coverage on VPower Group with “BUY” Rating

HONG KONG, Aug 3, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – BOC International initiated coverage on Hong Kong listed VPower Group International Holdings Limited ("VPower Group", stock code:1608) with a "Buy" rating in recognition of its solid growth momentum and the expected high earnings in the coming years.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, VPower Group is an integrated expert in distributed power generation. It principally engages in power system integration (SI) business, covering designing, integrating and sale of gas-fired and diesel-fired engine-based gen-sets and power generation systems, and Investment, Building and Operating (IBO) business, involving investing in, building and operating distributed power stations to supply reliable electricity. It is now a leading distributed power station owner and operator in Asia.

BOC International reckoned VPower Group's engine-based generation model has multi-faceted advantages, thus allowing the Group to fit into different markets especially the under-electrified markets and auxiliary services market. The firm believed VPower Group is well positioned to win more businesses given its solid track record in both developing and developed regions in the past few years.

BOC International highlighted that the commissioning of the Myanmar liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power projects with CNTIC in the near term would boost VPower Group's earnings growth. The firm estimated the projects will make a significant contribution to the Group's profit, leading to a net profit CAGR of 53% from 2019 to 2022. The successful commissioning of the three Myanmar LNG to power projects within a tight deadline has demonstrated VPower Group's capability and unique relationship with upstream engine suppliers to win future tenders.

Regarding the recent top-up placement in which VPower Group raised net proceeds of HK$299 million, BOC International pointed out the proceeds will further replenish the Group's balance sheet and get it prepared for future investments.

BOC International used SOTP methodology to value VPower Group in light of the different business nature of its IBO and SI segments. It initiated coverage with a BUY rating and a target price of HK$ 4.10, implying 11x 2021 P/E.



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CMB International Securities Maintains High Conviction “BUY” Rating on VPower Group

HONG KONG, Jul 29, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – CMB International Securities today issued a research report on Hong Kong listed VPower Group International Holdings Limited ("VPower Group", stock code:1608), a leading distributed power generation station owner and operator in Asia with a focus on its investment in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power in Myanmar. The firm maintained a high conviction "BUY" rating on VPower Group with a target price of HK$5.47, representing a potential growth of 82.9% as compared to last closing price.

CMB International Securities placed its key focus on VPower Group's iconic Myanmar joint venture and expected it will generate more than 20% internal rate of return, with superior profitability comparing with its other IBO (Investment, Building and Operating) projects.

In addition, CMB International Securities mentioned the LNG cost, utilization rate, and the energy efficiency of the gensets as the key exposures that the joint venture could manage for higher profitability. Yet, the firm believes it is a good timing for VPower Group to expand into LNG-fueled distributed power projects, with the Asia LNG spot market is currently at a range of 3-year low.

CMB International Securities is confident that VPower Group will deliver high earrings growth in FY20/21E, with net profit expected to reach HK$711 million and HK$1,169 million respectively.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, VPower Group is an integrated expert in distributed power generation (DPG). It principally engages in power system integration (SI) business, covering designing, integrating and sale of gas-fired and diesel-fired engine-based gen-sets and power generation systems, and Investment, Building and Operating (IBO) business, involving investing in, building and operating distributed power stations to supply reliable electricity. It is now a leading distributed power station owner and operator in Asia.



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VPower Group Begins Operation of 38.8MW Power Stations in Sri Lanka

HONG KONG, Jul 6, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – VPower Group International Holdings Limited ("VPower Group") a leading DPG station owner and operator in Asia announced today that it has strengthened its market presence in Sri Lanka with two power stations commencing commercial operation recently.

Located in Galle and Pallekele, respectively, of Sri Lanka, the two power stations were built on a fast-track basis with a total installed capacity of 38.8MW. They are connected to the national grid via respective regional substations.

Sri Lanka has been striving to increase its generation capacity to meet the rising electricity demand, and VPower Group is keen to provide the country with reliable distributed power solutions. Since VPower Group entered into the power market of Sri Lanka in mid-2019, it has established a project portfolio of an aggregated installed capacity reaching 100MW locally.

About VPower Group International Holdings Limited
Headquartered in Hong Kong, VPower Group is an integrated expert in distributed power generation (DPG). It principally engages in power system integration (SI) business, covering designing, integrating and sale of gas-fired and diesel-fired engine-based gen-sets and power generation systems, and Investment, Building and Operating (IBO) business, involving investing in, building and operating distributed power stations to supply reliable electricity. It is now a leading distributed power station owner and operator in Asia.



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VPower Group’s Joint Venture Starts Powering Myanmar with LNG

HONG KONG, Jun 16, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – VPower Group International Holdings Limited ("VPower Group" or the "Group", stock code: 1608.HK) has successfully expanded its footprint into the liquified natural gas (LNG)- to-power industry through a partnership with China National Technical Import and Export Corporation ("CNTIC"). On 14 June 2020, the power station in Thaketa Township of Yangon, Myanmar built by the 50-50 joint venture of VPower Group and CNTIC ("CNTIC VPower") started generating electricity with LNG. This is the first time LNG being used as the fuel source in power generation in Myanmar.



The power station in Thaketa Township of Yangon has started generating electricity for the people of Myanmar.


CNTIC VPower imports LNG to Myanmar.



The power station, with an installed capacity of 477.1 MW, was built on a fast-track basis for one of the Myanmar Government's shortlisted critical projects to boost power supply for summer 2020. The project was awarded to the consortium of VPower Group and CNTIC in late 2019 through a public tender. In addition to the efficient and flexible engine-based power generation technology, CNTIC VPower offers a one-stop LNG solution integrating LNG import, logistics, storage and regassification to the country. The LNG infrastructure is located in Thanlyin of Yangon.

After the power purchase agreement was signed by a project company of CNTIC VPower, the power station has commenced operation in phases starting from 14 June 2020. Electricity generated by this power station will be transmitted to support the nationwide electricity demand, in particular that in Yangon Region, via the national grid.

"This is a milestone for the people of Myanmar and we are proud to be a pioneer of the monumental achievement. This has been a project impossible to many, and executed under the most extraordinary circumstances. We thank all of our suppliers, engineers, consultants, project and commercial teams and numerous government authorities who have given us their unwavering support, dedication and faith that have contributed to our success." said Mr. Earnest Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of CNTIC VPower, "Access to LNG will help the country meet its growing electricity demand and broaden its energy mix whilst allowing a more environmental friendly and sustainable generation for the future."

On top of this project, CNTIC VPower is going to deliver more electricity to the country with another two power projects which were also awarded to the consortium in the same public tender.

"VPower Group has developed a strong position in the gas-fired distributed power generation industry in Asia, and it has been actively working on delivering more low carbon and sustainable energy as a responsible global citizen. The success of this LNG-to-power project has turned the development of VPower Group to a new page as it demonstrates our capability to provide the cleanest fossil fuel available for power generation with operational flexibility and agility. We are extremely pleased to join hands with our strategic partner CNTIC on the project and look forward to further deepening our cooperation." Added Mr. Ambrose Lee, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Capital Markets and Corporate Finance of VPower Group.

About VPower Group International Holdings Limited
Headquartered in Hong Kong, VPower Group is an integrated expert in distributed power generation (DPG). It principally engages in power system integration (SI) business, covering designing, integrating and sale of gas-fired and diesel-fired engine-based gen-sets and power generation systems, and Investment, Building and Operating (IBO) business, involving investing in, building and operating distributed power stations to supply reliable electricity. It is now a leading distributed power station owner and operator in Asia.


Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com