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Analysis of Saudi Aramco's Investment in Bicheng Energy and the Trend of Capital Integration in the Energy Industry Chain

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January 15, 2026

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Analysis of Saudi Aramco's Investment in Bicheng Energy and the Trend of Capital Integration in the Energy Industry Chain

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I. Strategic Layout Analysis of Saudi Aramco’s Investment in Bicheng Energy
1.1 Saudi Aramco’s New Energy Investment Portfolio

Saudi Aramco has built a systematic new energy investment matrix through its corporate venture capital arm

Aramco Ventures
. According to the latest data, Aramco Ventures manages three specialized funds with a total size of
US$2.5 billion
[1]:

Fund Name Size Investment Focus
Digital/Industrial Fund US$500 million Digitalization, industrial solutions
Prosperity7 Fund US$500 million Diversified venture capital
Energy Transition Fund US$1.5 billion Clean energy technologies

To date, Saudi Aramco’s global investment portfolio has reached

156 investments
, including 75 active portfolio companies and 34 exited projects[1]. Since 2025, Aramco Ventures has announced six strategic investments covering cutting-edge fields such as AI supply chain optimization (Arkestro), direct air capture technology (Ucaneo), and ammonia power systems (Amogy)[1].

1.2 Strategic Interpretation of This Investment

(1) Deepening Layout in the Chinese Market

Saudi Aramco has established

9 joint ventures
in China and launched a venture capital fund of approximately
RMB 55 billion
, focusing on investments in Chinese startups[2]. The investment in Bicheng Energy (jointly with Eurazeo, LONGi Green Energy, etc.) is a continuation of this strategy, reflecting high attention to China’s clean energy track.

(2) Clear Intent of Industrial Chain Synergy

The lead investor lineup for Bicheng Energy’s Series B financing is highly meaningful:

  • Aramco Ventures
    : Represents energy transition capital from an oil giant
  • Eurazeo
    : A well-known European investment group
  • LONGi Green Energy
    : Global leader in photovoltaic industry
  • Yiyan Capital
    : Professional industrial capital

This combined investment model of “Oil Capital + European Capital + Industry Leader” clearly demonstrates the strategic intent of

synergistic integration of upstream and downstream industrial chains
.

(3) Diversified Layout of Technical Routes

Judging from Saudi Aramco’s investment portfolio, its new energy strategy presents

diversified characteristics
:

  • Green Power
    : Solar and wind energy projects (targeting 12GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030)[3]
  • Hydrogen Energy
    : Blue hydrogen and ammonia production (targeting annual output of 11 million tons of blue ammonia by 2030)[4]
  • CCUS
    : Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage technologies
  • Cutting-edge Technologies
    : Direct air capture, energy storage, AI optimization
1.3 Strategic Comparison with International Oil and Gas Giants

Notably, against the backdrop of “slowing low-carbon investment” in the global oil and gas industry, Saudi Aramco’s investment strategy presents

uniqueness
:

Company Strategic Characteristics 2025 Developments
Saudi Aramco
Diversified layout, steady advancement Continued investment in clean energy, launch of RMB 55 billion China-focused fund[2]
BP
Pullback after aggressive transformation Cut renewable energy spending from US$5 billion to US$1.5-2 billion[5]
Shell
Retreat from offshore wind power Exit new offshore wind power investments[5]
TotalEnergies
Focus on power business Target to increase power business share from 12.5% to 20% by 2030[6]

Saudi Aramco has chosen a path of

“Balancing Preservation and Innovation”
– while maintaining cash flow support from its core oil and gas business, it lays out future technologies through venture capital investments.


II. Industry Trends and Impacts of Industrial Chain Capital Integration
2.1 Typical Cases of Industrial Chain Integration

Case 1: Restructuring of Sinopec and China National Aviation Fuel

On January 8, 2026, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) approved the

restructuring of Sinopec Group and China National Aviation Fuel Group
[7]. This restructuring will form:

  • Full Industrial Chain Closed Loop
    : “Crude oil import - refining and chemical production - aviation fuel transportation - airport refueling”
  • Scale Effect
    : Benchmarked against international integrated energy giants such as Shell and BP[8]
  • Enhanced Competitiveness
    : Upgrading from single-channel competition to comprehensive competition based on full-industry-chain efficiency and cost

Case 2: Industrial Investment Layout of LONGi Green Energy

As a global leader in the photovoltaic industry, LONGi Green Energy’s participation in the investment in Bicheng Energy reflects its

“Photovoltaic + Energy Storage” integration strategy
:

  • In November 2025, LONGi Green Energy announced the
    acquisition of Jingkong Energy
    to enter the energy storage track[9]
  • Participated in the polysilicon storage consortium to promote capacity integration[10]
  • Actively responded to the “anti-involution” policy in the photovoltaic industry to promote the orderly exit of backward production capacity

Case 3: Industrial Fund Layout of CATL

CATL plans to participate in the investment of

Lochpine Green Fund I
(target size of US$1.5 billion) through its overseas subsidiary, focusing on upstream and downstream investments in the carbon neutrality field[11]. The industrial fund participated in by CSG Energy Storage has a subscribed scale of
RMB 14 billion
, with investment directions covering new energy storage and strategic emerging projects in the energy industry chain[11].

2.2 Major Driving Factors of Industrial Chain Integration
Analysis of Driving Factors for Industrial Chain Integration
├── Policy Guidance Level
│   ├── Ministry of Industry and Information Technology promotes the "anti-involution" policy in the photovoltaic industry
│   ├── SASAC promotes specialized integration of central state-owned enterprises
│   └── Market-oriented reform of grid-connected electricity prices for new energy
├── Market-driven Level
│   ├── Overcapacity leads to in-depth industry reshuffle
│   ├── Escalating international trade frictions (US high tariffs on Southeast Asian photovoltaic products)
│   └── Consumption of refined oil products faces a historical inflection point
└── Industrial Development Level
    ├── Accelerated technological iteration (BC batteries, perovskite tandem cells)
    ├── Electricity market reform requires higher absorption capacity
    └── High-proportion new energy grid connection spurs demand for "photovoltaic-storage integration"
2.3 Specific Models of Industrial Chain Integration
Integration Model Representative Case Core Logic
Horizontal Integration
Restructuring of Sinopec and China National Aviation Fuel Merger of similar businesses to increase market concentration
Vertical Integration
LONGi Green Energy’s acquisition of Jingkong Energy Synergy of upstream and downstream industrial chains, covering “photovoltaic + energy storage”
Cross Investment
Bicheng Energy’s Series B Financing Joint investment by oil capital, industrial capital and financial capital
Platform-based Integration
Polysilicon Storage Consortium Leading enterprises establish a platform to stabilize prices and production capacity

III. Profound Impacts on the Competitive Landscape of the Energy Industry
3.1 Fundamental Transformation of Competition Dimensions
Traditional Competition Dimensions New Competition Dimensions
Single-point cost advantage Full-industry-chain efficiency and cost
Single product performance System solution capability
Market share competition Niche control and discourse power
Domestic market layout Global supply chain integration

As analyzed by experts, after the restructuring of Sinopec and China National Aviation Fuel, the competition will upgrade from “single-channel competition to comprehensive competition based on full-industry-chain efficiency and cost”[8].

3.2 Structural Changes in Market Concentration

Industrial chain integration is driving

accelerated reshuffling
of the industry:

  1. Photovoltaic Industry
    :

    • In 2025, the coexistence of “cross-border layout” and “batch exit” emerged[12]
    • The top five module leaders collectively entered the energy storage track
    • The “retreat drama” of enterprises that entered the photovoltaic industry cross-border continues to unfold
  2. Aviation Fuel Market
    :

    • Market concentration increased significantly after the restructuring
    • All parties in the industrial chain re-examine their positioning
    • Small and medium-sized refining and chemical enterprises face short-term adaptation pressure[8]
  3. Central State-owned Enterprises
    :

    • Specialized integration has been accurately implemented, focusing on strengthening and supplementing the industrial chain[13]
    • Over 300 listed companies established industrial M&A funds
      in 2025[11]
3.3 Redistribution of Discourse Power in the Industrial Chain
Pre-integration Structure                    Post-integration Structure
┌─────────────┐              ┌─────────────┐
│ Upstream    │              │ Super       │
│ Suppliers   │              │ Integrated  │
│  ←--------→ │              │ Holding     │
│ Middle      │    ===>       │ Group       │
│ Channels    │              │ ↑ ↓         │
│  ←--------→ │              │ Specialized │
│ Downstream  │              │ Service     │
│ Users       │              │ Providers   │
└─────────────┘              └─────────────┘

Taking the aviation fuel market as an example: the “stable relationship”[8] formed between upstream “Big Three Oil Companies”, private refining and chemical enterprises, China National Aviation Fuel (super channel), and airlines is being broken and restructured.

3.4 Reshaping of the Global Competitive Landscape

The impact of industrial chain integration has transcended the domestic market and affected

global competition
:

  1. Technology Export + Localized Production
    : Facing trade barriers in Europe and the US, leading enterprises are shifting from “manufacturing going global to system services”[12]
  2. Supply Chain Security Becomes a Core Concern
    : Geopolitical fluctuations drive enterprises to build more resilient supply chains
  3. Enhanced Pricing Discourse Power
    : Integrated giants will gain stronger global resource allocation capabilities

IV. Investment Insights and Strategic Recommendations
4.1 Insights for Different Market Entities
Entity Strategic Recommendations
Energy Enterprises
Actively participate in industrial chain integration to build full-chain competitiveness
Photovoltaic/New Energy Enterprises
Seize the policy window of “anti-involution” to promote capacity optimization and integration
Investment Institutions
Focus on industrial fund models and participate in high-quality asset allocation
Manufacturing Enterprises
Accelerate technological iteration to avoid marginalization
4.2 Risk Warnings
  1. Policy Implementation Risk
    : The effect of industrial chain integration depends on the intensity of policy implementation
  2. Market Monopoly Risk
    : The increase in concentration requires prevention of abuse of market dominant position[8]
  3. Integration Synergy Risk
    : Restructuring of central state-owned enterprises involves challenges such as management integration and cultural integration
  4. Technical Route Risk
    : The commercialization process of new technologies such as BC and perovskite is uncertain

V. Conclusion

Saudi Aramco’s investment in Bicheng Energy is a concrete manifestation of its

“Traditional Energy + New Energy” dual-drive strategy
, reflecting the long-term layout of the world’s largest oil company in the clean energy track through venture capital investment. The uniqueness of this investment lies in:

  1. Capital Structure Innovation
    : Combined model of oil capital, industry leader and European capital
  2. Industrial Chain Synergy
    : LONGi Green Energy’s participation highlights the trend of upstream and downstream integration
  3. Global Vision
    : Saudi Aramco’s strategic intent to deeply cultivate the Chinese market is obvious

Industrial chain capital integration is fundamentally reshaping the competitive landscape of the energy industry:

  • Transformation of Competition Logic
    : From single-point competition to full-industry-chain competition
  • Changes in Market Structure
    : Increased concentration and strengthened head effect
  • Redistribution of Discourse Power
    : Integrated giants dominate the industrial chain

Looking forward, the energy industry will present a competitive landscape of

“Super Integrated Groups + Specialized Service Providers”
. Enterprises that can effectively integrate industrial chain resources and build full-chain competitiveness will occupy an advantageous position in the next round of competition.


References

[1] OGN News - “Aramco’s venture capital boost local entrepreneurial ecosystem, units” (https://ognnews.com/Article/47685/Aramco’s_venture_capital_boost_local_entrepreneurial_ecosystem,_units)

[2] Aramco China - “Aramco vows to expand investment in China, eyeing three strategic sectors” (https://china.aramco.com/en/news-media/china-news/2025/aramco-vows-to-expand-investment-in-china-eyeing-three-strategic-sectors)

[3] OGN News - “ARAMCO POWERS AHEAD WITH UPSTREAM, DOWNSTREAM & ENERGY TRANSITION PLANS” (https://ognnews.com/Article/47681/ARAMCO_POWERS_AHEAD_WITH_UPSTREAM,_DOWNSTREAM__ENERGY_TRANSITION_PLANS)

[4] Arab News - “Beyond the barrel: How Aramco is reinventing energy production for a new era” (https://www.arabnews.com/node/2600971/business-economy)

[5] Eastmoney - “IEA Delays Peak Oil and Gas Demand by 20 Years, Oil and Gas Giants Collective ‘Backtrack’” (https://caifuhao.eastmoney.com/news/20260112090131367426450)

[6] Securities Times - “International Oil Companies Hit the Brakes on Low-carbon Investment: What Insights?” (https://www.stcn.com/article/detail/3548169.html)

[7] Securities Times - “Two Major Central Energy Enterprises Restructure, All Parties in the Aviation Fuel Chain Seek New Positions” (https://www.stcn.com/article/detail/3580375.html)

[8] Sina Finance - “Two Central Enterprises Restructure to Create an Aviation Fuel ‘Giant’ and Reshape the Industrial Pattern” (https://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2026-01-14/doc-inhhfvyr6668165.shtml)

[9] Pacific Securities - “Event Review of LONGi Green Energy in 2025: BC Volume Growth Helps Reduce Losses YoY and QoQ in Q3, Acquisition of Jingkong Energy to Enter Energy Storage”

[10] Shanghai Securities News - “New Progress in Polysilicon Storage” (2025-11-06)

[11] Xinhua Finance - “Over 300 Listed Companies Established Industrial M&A Funds in 2025” (http://jjckb.xinhuanet.com/20260115/574f2cd7400d42559fc42a7d06bed6fb/c.html)

[12] CNFOl - “2025 Year-end Review of China’s Photovoltaic Industry” (http://mp.cnfol.com/56191/article/1767771544-142201925.html)

[13] Eastmoney - “Restructuring of Central and State-owned Enterprises Accelerates, Upstream and Downstream Industrial Synergy Strengthened” (https://wap.eastmoney.com/a/202601103614651428.html)

[14] IEA - “World Energy Investment 2025” (https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2025/middle-east)

[15] Rystad Energy - “Middle East oil and gas: Six strategic themes from 2025” (https://www.rystadenergy.com/insights/middle-east-oil-and-gas-six-strategic-themes-from-2025-and-what-to-watch-in-2026)

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Insights are generated using AI models and historical data for informational purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice or recommendations. Past performance is not indicative of future results.