Core Insights - The waste incineration industry in China is entering a mature phase, with a total of 1,064 waste incineration plants expected by 2024 and a market size of approximately 73 billion [1][2] - The rapid saturation of processing capacity is leading to a contraction in market growth potential, shifting the focus towards operational excellence and consolidation of quality projects [2][3] Industry Trends - The industry is witnessing two main trends: mergers and acquisitions becoming a key strategy for environmental companies to enhance their competitiveness, and leading firms transitioning from scale expansion to efficiency improvement and refined operations [2][3] - Capital expenditures are declining while revenue from heating services is increasing, resulting in improved cash flow that supports dividend potential [2][3] New Growth Opportunities - Domestic waste incineration companies possess significant competitive advantages for international expansion, particularly in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, where urbanization is increasing waste generation and incineration rates are low [3] - The stable energy output from waste incineration aligns well with the demands of data centers for reliable and economical power supply, creating opportunities for direct electricity supply arrangements [3] Investment Strategy - The investment outlook for the sector is positive due to stable operations of existing projects, declining capital expenditures, and the expansion of heating services contributing to increased free cash flow [4] - The "waste incineration + IDC" green electricity supply model is expected to unlock value and enhance profitability in the long term [4] - Accelerated supply-side consolidation in the industry will allow leading companies to leverage operational efficiency and resource integration to expand their market share, particularly in overseas markets [4]