Viewing that polysilicon spot market prices in the China market rose to US$25/kg in the first quarter of 2014, some China-based makers are preparing to expand production capacities. Also, some companies that stopped production during the market downturn plan to resume production, according to PV industry sources in Taiwan.

Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development is preparing to expand annual production capacity to 70,000 tons, of which 10,000 tons will be based on a FBR (fluidized-bed reactor) process in 2014, while Daqo New Energy is posed to expand annual capacity from 6,200 tons currently to 12,000 tons in 2014 and further to 13,000 tons in 2015, the sources indicated. TBEA has an annual capacity of 12,000 tons, and plans to cooperate with Germany-based Wacker to set up a joint venture polysilicon factory with an annual capacity of 36,000 tons, the sources noted.

Shenzhou New Energy Development, Yongxiang Polysilicon, China Silicon and Asia Silicon are preparing to resume suspended production lines, the sources said.

• [Editor:Ginna]