Guibao silicon-carbon anode capacity expands with Sichuan second phase

Chengdu Guibao Science

Guibao silicon-carbon anode capacity expands as the firm builds a second phase in Sichuan. The Meishan plant adds 3,000 t per year by December 2025. The first 1,000 t per year phase started in April 2023. Guibao silicon-carbon anode capacity could reach 11,000 t per year with phase three. However, the 7,000 t per year third phase depends on market conditions.

Timeline, scale, and technology

Site construction on phase two began in September 2024. Commissioning is targeted by end-December 2025, pending qualification. Guibao remains Asia’s largest high-end silicone sealant producer. It operates 370,000 t per year of sealant capacity. Therefore, cashflow supports capital spending and start-up risk.

Silicon-carbon anodes promise far higher specific capacity than graphite. Theoretical capacity reaches about 4,200 mAh per gram. This is roughly ten times typical graphite anode capacity. However, swelling and cycle life require careful design and binders. As a result, customer qualification remains the pacing item.

Competitive landscape and demand outlook

Industry demand for silicon anodes could reach 100,000 tonnes by 2030. Large cylindrical cells and high-nickel prismatic formats drive growth. Peer capacity is also rising across China. Beijing Lirr backed a 10,000 t per year Hubei project for 2025. Putailai started trial production in Anhui at 12,100 t per year. That includes 10,000 t silicon-carbon and 2,100 t silicon oxide lines.

Guibao silicon-carbon anode capacity positions the firm for EV and storage demand. Meanwhile, phase three offers optionality if orders accelerate. Therefore, execution must balance cost, yield, and OEM timelines.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Guibao’s staged build limits risk while capturing early silicon-anode adoption. Watch qualification wins with leading cell makers and swelling mitigation progress. Pricing and graphite substitution rates will determine margin durability.