Kuntian Anode Plant Phase Two Targets December Start Amid Yunnan Capacity Boom

Kuntian

Kuntian anode plant phase two strengthens silicon-carbon supply

Kuntian anode plant phase two will start production by late December. The project adds 40,000 t/yr of silicon-carbon anodes. Kuntian anode plant phase two follows a first phase launched in January 2023. The first phase also holds 40,000 t/yr of capacity. Kuntian anode plant phase two slipped from 2023 because funding fell short. However, the company has revived timelines and execution.

Yunnan’s hydropower hub draws major anode producers

Yunnan offers cheap hydropower and stable power access. Therefore, producers cluster in Dali, Kunming, Qujing, and Yuxi. BTR started a 50,000 t/yr line in June 2025. Shanshan began 200,000 t/yr in January 2024. Zhongke launched 50,000 t/yr in June 2024. Its second 50,000 t/yr line starts this December. Yunnan’s total anode capacity has reached 510,000 t/yr.

Strong NEV demand supports rapid anode expansion. China produced 8.23mn NEVs in January–July, up 39% year on year. CAAM expects domestic sales near 16mn in 2025. Meanwhile, Kuntian produced 30,800t of anodes in 2024. That share equaled roughly 2% of national output. The firm also plans a third phase of 50,000 t/yr. However, it has not disclosed construction dates.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Yunnan’s hydropower arbitrage underpins cost and carbon advantages. Kuntian’s timed ramp aligns with peak NEV seasonality and new model launches. Watch third-phase timing and silicon-carbon adoption rates across premium cells.