China’s Sunway to Launch Major Anode Material Plant in Sichuan

Conch Venture Sunway, a top producer of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, has opened a new facility in Leshan, Sichuan Province. This plant will meet the growing demand for battery materials, driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.

A Major Milestone for Conch Venture Sunway

The first phase of the Leshan facility, with a capacity of 40,000 tons per year, was completed in June 2023. Trial production started in October, and full-scale operations will begin by December 2023. This milestone positions Conch Venture Sunway as a leader in the rapidly expanding anode material market. These materials are essential for the clean energy transition and the adoption of electric vehicles.

Leveraging Sichuan’s Hydropower Advantage

One major advantage of the Leshan plant is Sichuan’s abundant hydropower. The region offers electricity rates between 0.30 and 0.35 yuan per kilowatt-hour ($0.04 to $0.05/kWh). Producing anode materials requires a lot of energy, particularly in the graphitization process, which consumes over 60% of total energy. Sichuan’s low electricity costs give Conch Venture Sunway a competitive edge, helping the company scale production while keeping costs down.

Expansion Plans to Meet Growing Global Demand

The first phase of the Leshan facility will produce 40,000 tons of anode materials annually. Conch Venture Sunway also has plans for expansion. Phase two could add up to 60,000 tons of capacity. While the timeline for this expansion is still unclear, it will strengthen the company’s position as a key supplier in the growing lithium-ion battery supply chain.

Supporting the Global Transition to Clean Energy

As global demand for lithium-ion batteries grows, particularly due to EV adoption and renewable energy storage, the Leshan facility arrives at an ideal time. It will help meet the rising need for anode materials, which are critical for lithium-ion battery performance. By expanding its production, Conch Venture Sunway supports China’s goal to lead in the global EV and energy storage markets. This investment positions the company to play a key role in advancing electric mobility and clean energy storage.