BYD, Edison Lithium, Siemens Energy - Which energy transition stocks are worth considering now

BYD strengthens its pioneering role in electromobility with new vehicle production facility in Hungary and focuses on sodium-ion batteries

The Chinese car manufacturer BYD is the undisputed pioneer in the electromobility market, even as the EU (link: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-investigators-inspect-chinas-byd-geely-saic-ev-probe-source-2024-01-12/ text: tries to regulate its market power. BYD (ISIN CNE100000296) has now established a passenger car production site in Hungary. The contract was signed this week, and the factory is expected to be completed and operational within the next three years. The facility will focus on producing passenger car models for the European market, creating thousands of local jobs, and helping Hungary transition to a green economy. BYD has opened 230 outlets in 19 countries since launching its passenger car business in Europe. Five new models (BYD HAN, BYD TANG, BYD ATTO 3, BYD SEAL and BYD DOLPHIN) have been launched, covering segments from C to E, including compact cars, sedans and SUVs. Three more models are planned for the next 12 months.

BYD built its first European factory for all-electric buses in Hungary seven years ago and is now adding the passenger car production line. In addition to mainland China and plants in Europe, electric vehicle factories have been established in Uzbekistan, Thailand, Brazil, Hungary and Indonesia, underlining BYD's strategic focus on global expansion and localization in major markets worldwide. BYD focuses on sodium-ion batteries, as sodium is available in larger quantities than lithium.

The focus on cars in the budget and mid-range segment is advantageous for BYD, as this area holds enormous potential for electromobility. Compared to established brands, BYD is said to have a clear advantage in terms of rapid availability, as the German market is currently characterized by long delivery times due to supply bottlenecks.

CEO Nathan Rotstein of Edison Lithium sees future in sodium-ion technology as the answer to rising lithium demand

Renewable energy remains the focus of efforts across Europe to meet the European Commission's Green Deal requirements. However, raw material prices and geopolitical tensions are making implementation more difficult. The German economy, in particular, is feeling the harsh impact of rising energy prices.

Global demand for lithium carbonate is expected to reach 1.79 million tons by 2030. The growing influence of electromobility, in particular, will significantly increase the demand for batteries and, therefore, also for lithium. BYD is leading the way. Lithium reserves in China are dwindling, and the search for new resources and the development of technologies for extracting lithium from brine is proving to be extremely challenging. Global lithium production has increased due to increased production in salt basins and improved capacities in mines.

This is where the Canadian explorer Edison Lithium (ISIN CA28103Q2080) comes into focus. Edison Lithium is a Canadian junior mining exploration company focused on the sourcing, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium and other energy metal properties. The Company has more than 148,000 hectares of mineral-rich land in Argentina. Cobalt is a key element in the production of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, portable electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops, energy storage systems and other applications. Cobalt is often used in the cathode of these batteries.

However, Edison Lithium CEO Nathan Rotstein sees the true potential in a different combination of battery technology: *sodium-ion batteries instead of lithium-ion. "BYD, the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, already offers three models of NA-ION battery vehicles for sale*," explains Rotstein.

The clear advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries are evident. Sodium, the sixth most abundant element on Earth, is globally available, and its extraction is simpler and more environmentally friendly. Compared to lithium, sodium is easier to recycle. Therefore, the demand for sodium-ion batteries will continue to rise, both in electric vehicles and in the areas of energy and grid storage.

Siemens Energy with impressive quarterly results: Total profit of EUR 1.88 billion, despite ongoing challenges at Siemens Gamesa

Despite ongoing losses at its Spanish subsidiary Gamesa, Siemens Energy (ISIN DE000ENER6Y0) generated an operating profit of EUR 208 million in the first quarter of 2023/24, compared to a loss of EUR 282 million in the same period of the previous year. Sales rose by 15% to EUR 7.6 billion and incoming orders by as much as 24% to EUR 15.4 billion. The business with electricity and gas grids is showing strong growth.

Siemens Energy reports a total profit of EUR 1.88 billion, mainly due to the sale of shares in the Indian subsidiary and the sale of the high-voltage components division, Trench Electric, to Triton. The loss from wind power problem child Siemens Gamesa was reduced to EUR 426 million. The Company is still struggling with quality deficiencies and startup difficulties. Gamesa is expected to post a loss of around EUR 2 billion for the year as a whole. A cost-cutting program aims to reduce costs by EUR 400 million.

The former parent company Siemens is planning to further reduce its stake in Siemens Energy, as CEO Roland Busch announced in remarks prepared for the upcoming Annual General Meeting. With this reduction, Siemens Energy is aiming to reduce its dependence on the former parent company Siemens. To this end, he is also appointing two renowned experts to the Supervisory Board. Veronika Grimm, economist, and Simone Menne, former CFO of Lufthansa, are to be elected to the Supervisory Board at the Annual General Meeting on February 26, as the energy technology group announced on Thursday.

BYD consolidates its pioneering role in the electric mobility market with a new passenger car factory in Hungary, a strong presence in Europe and a focus on sodium-ion batteries. BYD plans to create local jobs and promote the green economy in Hungary. Further expansion in the budget and mid-range segment is also planned. With the increased use of lithium batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, raw material energy sources are becoming increasingly important players in the global supply mix. Edison Lithium focuses on sodium-ion batteries and is positioning itself in response to the increasing demand for lithium. CEO Nathan Rotstein emphasizes the potential of sodium-ion batteries, which stand out from lithium-ion batteries due to their availability, ease of extraction and environmental friendliness. Edison Lithium focuses on raw material extraction, primarily cobalt, strengthening its position in the energy market. Siemens Energy reports an operating profit of EUR 208 million in the first quarter of 2023/24 despite continued losses at Siemens Gamesa - revenue increased by 15% to EUR 7.6 billion and order intake by 24%. Siemens Energy plans to reduce its stake further to reduce its dependence on Siemens. The stock market reacted positively to the figures, with Siemens Energy shares rising 10%. Analysts at JP Morgan emphasize that sales and order intake have exceeded expectations, strengthening confidence in the forecast. Investors should closely monitor raw material sources and suppliers when selecting for their portfolio.