T1 Energy (TE) Surges 8.8% on Thai Carbon Capture Breakthrough and Solar Expansion Momentum

Summary
• T1 Energy (TE) surges 14.94% intraday, hitting $6.41 high amid Thai carbon capture project and Texas solar plant construction
• Intraday turnover hits 25.5 million shares, 13.76% of float, signaling strong institutional interest
• Options chain sees 764 contracts traded on $6 strike call options, with 23.08% price change ratio
• Stock trades at 8.79% above previous close of $5.42, with 52-week high at $7.04 just 18% away

On December 18, 2025, T1 Energy (TE) ignited a 14.94% intraday rally, fueled by a landmark carbon capture contract in Thailand and a $400 million solar cell plant in Texas. The stock traded between $5.71 and $6.41, with options activity surging on $6 strike calls. This move reflects investor confidence in TE's dual green energy strategy, combining carbon capture innovation with solar manufacturing expansion.

Thai Carbon Capture Contract and Solar Expansion Drive T1 Energy's Intraday Surge
T1 Energy's 14.94% intraday surge stems from two transformative catalysts: a first-of-its-kind carbon capture project in Thailand and a $400 million solar cell manufacturing facility in Texas. The Thai project, a $72 million engineering contract with Thoresen Jutal Offshore, positions TE as a leader in carbon capture technology. Simultaneously, the Austin TOPCon solar plant, backed by $72 million in equity and $50 million in convertible preferred stock, signals TE's commitment to silicon-based solar manufacturing. These developments align with global decarbonization trends, with the carbon capture market projected to grow 12% annually through 2030.

Energy Sector Volatility Amid Green Transition: Ecolab (ECL) Up 0.47%
While T1 Energy's 14.94% surge outpaces broader energy sector movements, Ecolab (ECL) rose 0.47% as a proxy for industrial sustainability plays. The energy sector's mixed performance reflects diverging strategies between traditional energy firms and green technology innovators. TE's dual focus on carbon capture and solar manufacturing creates a unique value proposition, differentiating it from pure-play oil & gas or single-technology renewable firms.

Options Playbook: TE20260116C6 and TE20260618C5 for Green Energy Momentum
• 200-day MA: $2.14 (well below current $5.8964)
• RSI: 64.63 (neutral to overbought)
• MACD: 0.533 (bullish divergence)
• Bollinger Bands: $2.1970 (lower) to $7.1459 (upper)
• 30D Support: $4.40-$4.48

TE's technicals suggest a continuation pattern above key 30D support at $4.40. The 64.63 RSI indicates strong momentum, while the MACD histogram's positive divergence (0.0101) signals growing bullish conviction. Options traders should focus on January and June 2026 contracts, where liquidity and leverage align with TE's volatility profile.

• TE20260116C6: Call option with 0.572 delta, 114.54% IV, 7.52% leverage ratio. Turnover: 75,699. Gamma: 0.1987 (high sensitivity). Projected 5% upside payoff: $0.47/share
• TE20260618C5: Call option with 0.7629 delta, 145.88% IV, 2.19% leverage ratio. Turnover: 33,443. Gamma: 0.0497. Projected 5% upside payoff: $0.30/share

TE20260116C6 offers optimal leverage with 7.52% gearing and high gamma for short-term volatility. The 114.54% IV reflects market anticipation of the Thai project's execution risks. TE20260618C5 provides longer-term exposure with 145.88% IV, capitalizing on the solar plant's 2026 production timeline. Aggressive bulls should scale into TE20260116C6 as the stock tests $6.20 resistance, while conservative positions may build TE20260618C5 for a 2026 production ramp-up play.

Backtest T1 Energy Stock Performance
TE Connectivity has shown strong performance recently, with a notable 9% intraday surge from 2022 to the present. This impressive growth can be attributed to several key factors:1. Robust Financial Health: TE Connectivity's recent quarterly results have exceeded expectations, with record fourth-quarter results that surpassed analyst forecasts. The company reported strong revenue and earnings, with guidance for continued growth in the upcoming fiscal year.2. Positive Outlook: The company's management provided an optimistic outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, highlighting expected growth in AI-centric revenues, which is likely to contribute to the company's continued performance success.Overall, TE Connectivity's performance following the 9% intraday surge from 2022 to now is impressive, and the company's strong financial health and positive outlook suggest that it may maintain this positive trend in the coming months.

Position for T1 Energy's Green Energy Momentum: Key Levels and Options to Watch
T1 Energy's 14.94% surge reflects a strategic inflection point in its green energy transition. With the Thai carbon capture project and Austin solar plant both advancing, the stock's 52-week high of $7.04 is within 18% reach. Key technical levels to monitor include the 30D support at $4.40 and 200D MA at $2.14. Options traders should prioritize TE20260116C6 for short-term volatility and TE20260618C5 for production-driven growth. Meanwhile, sector leader Ecolab (ECL) rose 0.47%, underscoring the broader appeal of sustainability plays. Position now for a potential $6.20 breakout, with stop-loss below $5.71 intraday low to protect gains.