Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

That afternoon, Jiang Haoran was in his office planning his next investment direction when a short but significant industry news flash appeared on his screen: "The National '12th Five-Year Plan for High-end Equipment Manufacturing' has been officially promulgated."

Jiang Haoran's gaze swept over keywords such as "high-end equipment", "autonomy of core technologies", and "support from strategic emerging industries".

Without a moment's hesitation, he closed the page, got up, and put his laptop and several key documents into his backpack.

A few hours later, he appeared in Jinling.

In winter, only the iron-like, silver-hook-like branches of the plane trees on campus remain, cutting through the gray sky, solemn and clear-headed.

He walked steadily through the somewhat deserted yet profoundly meaningful corridor of the management school building, stopping in front of that familiar dark wooden door.

The door was ajar. He flicked his fingers and knocked.

"Please come in." Professor Wu Weizhen's voice came from inside, peaceful yet powerful.

Pushing open the door, the office was still filled with books, and the air was filled with the unique aroma of old book pages mixed with tea.

Wu Weizhen was writing something at his desk when he looked up and saw Jiang Haoran. His serious face immediately broke into a smile, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.

"Haoran's here? Please have a seat!" He put down his pen and warmly invited Jiang Haoran to sit in the comfortable rattan chair opposite him. He then turned around and took out a tin of his treasured tea from the cabinet. "You rushed back from Shanghai? You look travel-worn. Have some hot tea to warm yourself up first."

"Thank you, Professor." Jiang Haoran accepted the warm teacup with both hands, the rising steam blurring his sharp gaze for a moment.

"The company has made some new progress, and I've also come across an important policy trend. I have some thoughts on this, and I'm here to consult you and hear your opinion."

Professor Wu paused slightly as he was pouring tea, then steadily put the teapot down.

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze behind his glasses suddenly sharpening, as if piercing through appearances: "You little rascal, you have a keen sense of smell. Is it for the newly released 'Twelfth Five-Year Plan'?"

"It seems that your domestically produced 'diamond wire' project is progressing faster than I expected? Tell me about it."

Jiang Haoran nodded and briefly reported on Qilin Technology's focus on the localization of photovoltaic diamond wire cutting equipment and its breakthrough progress in core busbar materials.

Professor Wu listened intently, his index finger unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth mahogany table, producing a rhythmic sound. After Jiang Haoran finished speaking, he was silent for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes before turning into undisguised admiration.

"Good! Well done!" Professor Wu clapped his hands, his voice filled with excitement. "Right now, the entire photovoltaic industry is facing external 'anti-dumping and countervailing' measures, as well as internal overcapacity and vicious price wars. This is the most painful time, and also the time when we most need to calm down and solve the fundamental problems!"

"You've targeted the 'industry pain point' of silicon wafer cutting, directly aiming for the localization of core consumables. This is not only business acumen, but also strategic vision!"

He took a sip of tea and continued, "Silicon wafers account for nearly 40% of module costs. Line consumption, auxiliary materials, and yield losses in the cutting process have always been major costs to reduce, and are also one of the key points by which foreign giants are holding us back. If you can break through at this time and in this position..."

He looked at Jiang Haoran meaningfully, "He not only grasped the pain points of the market, but also hit the beat of the national will."

Receiving affirmation from an industry leader gave Jiang Haoran a sense of confidence, but his tone became even more composed: "Teacher, you flatter me. The direction may be correct, but this is only the first step in a long journey. Only when we get to the real work will we realize how tough every step is."

"Technology iterates rapidly, and R&D investment is a bottomless pit; the process window is narrow, and the requirements for the stability of raw materials and equipment are extremely stringent; even if the product is made, it is even more difficult to enter the supply chain of downstream leading companies and break through the inherent trust barriers and certification cycles."

"Behind this lies a multifaceted test of funding, time, patience, and even luck."

"This is the only way to climb to the top of the industry," Professor Wu nodded solemnly. "High-end manufacturing and import substitution have always been fraught with peril. However..."

He changed the subject, lowering his voice but carrying immense force, "You've come just in time. According to the latest information I've gathered, 'breaking through the technological bottlenecks of key equipment and core materials in photovoltaic manufacturing to achieve independent control' has been listed as a top priority in the 'High-end Equipment Manufacturing' special project, and is one of the core tasks that we are clearly focusing our efforts on overcoming."

Despite being mentally prepared, Jiang Haoran still felt his heart clench when he heard it confirmed by this wise man who was deeply involved in consulting on national industrial policies. A surge of excitement mixed with a great sense of responsibility ran down his spine.

The direction of history now points with unparalleled clarity to the journey he is embarking on.

Professor Wu observed his reaction and continued to outline the blueprint in a deep voice: "This means that once the plan is fully launched and implemented, a series of follow-up measures are likely to follow closely."

This includes, but is not limited to: targeted support from national key R&D programs and special funds; combined tax incentives for high-tech enterprises and innovative products; guidance catalogs and risk compensation mechanisms for the promotion and application of the first (set) of major technical equipment; and even, in some nationally led demonstration projects or government procurement, explicit requirements for the localization rate of key components or preferential treatment in the review process…

"What about the timeline? Professor, when will things become clear?" Jiang Haoran asked the most crucial question.

Professor Wu pondered for a moment and said in a low voice, "The document has been issued, but the supporting detailed policies will take time to be formulated by various ministries. It is estimated that they will be released one after another in the first half of next year, forming a comprehensive set of measures."

He looked at Jiang Haoran with encouragement and a reminder in his eyes, "Haoran, the timing of your plan is perfect, you've hit the mark very well."

"Once the policy direction becomes clear next year, a large number of astute industrial and financial capital will inevitably rush into this field. At that time, costs will rise sharply, whether it is for talent competition, technology acquisitions, or market positioning, and the entry threshold will be completely different."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his tone turned serious as he warned, "However, policy support is like a 'tailwind,' helping you set sail faster, but it's by no means a panacea that guarantees you'll reach the other side. In fact, it might even bring new risks."

It is foreseeable that once the policy becomes clear, many speculators will flock in, hyping up concepts, fabricating stories, and inflating valuations to cash out. Such impetuous behavior may turn the nascent niche market into a chaotic mess.

You must remain calm and stay true to your original aspirations. Ultimately, on the path of domestic substitution, those companies that truly solidify their technology, improve their products, reduce costs, and provide excellent service will be the ones that survive and thrive in the long run.

It's about letting product performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness speak for themselves, not about policy subsidies and investment narratives.

"I understand, Professor Wu." Jiang Haoran nodded solemnly, keeping these golden words in mind. "Thank you for your reminder. Technology is fundamental, and products are the foundation; this core principle will never waver."

"When favorable policies come our way, we will leverage them to accelerate development; when they don't, we will forge our own path."