Baotou's polysilicon industry: A rising powerhouse

Inner Mongolia Xinyuan Silicon Material Technology Co's Phase I project. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

In the last year, the polysilicon industry in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has gathered momentum and has shown limitless potential, gradually outlining a complete industrial chain.

As a global leader in granular silicon production, Inner Mongolia Xinyuan Silicon Material Technology Co's Phase I project, which consists of five production lines, became fully operational in 2023.

In just a few years, the polysilicon photovoltaic industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the region. It also has the most significant innovative advantages and the strongest regional competitiveness in Baotou.

Data shows that from 2020 to 2022, Baotou's polysilicon photovoltaic industry maintained its development speed, with output value growth rates reaching 99.8 percent, 224.6 percent, and 169.1 percent, respectively.

A chip production line. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

In 2022, the output value of Baotou's polysilicon photovoltaic industry exceeded 100 billion yuan ($13.89 billion), making it one of the first cities in the country with a photovoltaic industry output value exceeding 100 billion yuan. This industry also had leading capacities in both polycrystalline silicon and monocrystalline silicon.

On Oct 29, 2023, the first semiconductor chip manufacturing project in Inner Mongolia, the Beilanxin Intelligent Manufacturing New Generation Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Chip Project, was completed and put into operation in Baotou. This project not only fills the gaps in the industry, but also opens up new opportunities for Baotou's transformation and development.