The Shanghai Petrochemical's large-tow carbon fiber relocation project, with a total investment of 2.24 billion yuan ($308.68 million), began construction in the Sulige Economic Development Zone in Uxin Banner, Ordos, on April 28.

The groundbreaking ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account of Nuan news]

Relying on Shanghai Petrochemical's proprietary large-tow carbon fiber technology and the abundant green electricity resources in Inner Mongolia, the project will build 10 more energy-efficient and high-performance carbon fiber production lines. It is expected to begin production by 2027.

The project will provide large-tow carbon fiber materials for fields such as wind power, energy storage, and low-altitude industries, offering key support for the new energy industry and promoting the upgrade of China's new materials industry.

Currently, Shanghai Petrochemical has an annual production capacity of 24,000 metric tons of 48K raw carbon fiber and 6,000 tons of 48K large-tow carbon fiber. The current project upgrades based the company's original large-tow carbon fiber technology, achieving a design and equipment level that is safer, more environmentally friendly, and more reliable, reaching internationally leading technical standards.

Focusing on emerging and future industries, the company is actively enhancing the layout of the carbon fiber industry and accelerating efforts to achieve full coverage of both "large-tow and small-tow" and "high-performance and general-grade" carbon fiber products.

The project will further promote Shanghai Petrochemical's industrial restructuring and help build a carbon fiber industry ecosystem. It will not only fill the gap in high-performance carbon fiber industry in Northwest China but also provide strong support for the region's high-quality economic development.