经营业绩明显好转，火电企业“备考”电力市场

Core Viewpoint - The power generation industry, particularly coal-fired power companies, has seen significant profit improvements due to declining coal prices, despite facing challenges from ongoing electricity market reforms [3][5]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The five major power generation companies reported a combined net profit of 24.267 billion yuan, surpassing the total net profit from the previous year and marking the highest profit since 2016 [3]. - Companies with heavy coal assets, such as Huayin Power and Yunnan Energy, reported net profit growth exceeding 100%, with Huayin Power's net profit reaching 207 million yuan, a staggering increase of 4147% year-on-year [3][5]. Group 2: Cost and Revenue Dynamics - The decline in coal prices has been crucial for cost control and profit improvement for coal-fired power companies, with the average coal price at the Caofeidian port dropping to 618 yuan/ton, a decrease of over 20% year-on-year [5]. - Despite lower fuel costs, revenue has also declined, with companies like Huadian International reporting a 6.46% decrease in electricity generation and a 1.44% drop in electricity prices [5][6]. Group 3: Market Challenges - The ongoing electricity market reforms are exerting pressure on power generation companies, with many reporting declines in both electricity prices and generation volumes [3][6]. - The shift towards cleaner energy sources is reducing the role of coal-fired power as a base-load power source, necessitating adaptations in operational strategies to maintain profitability [6][9]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The competition in the electricity market is intensifying, with new coal power approvals increasing by 152% year-on-year, indicating a potential oversupply in the market [8]. - In regions with high clean energy ratios, coal power must adapt to provide flexibility and support for renewable energy, while in coal-heavy regions, there is a need to enhance peak-shaving capabilities [8][9]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The future profitability of coal power is expected to be closely tied to its role in ensuring system safety during the energy transition, with reasonable profit margins needing to be maintained despite the challenges [10].