New Polysilicon Projects Poised to Boost Malaysia's Capacity

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources East Asia (Kofu-shi, Japan)--As of now, renewable energy accounts for approximately half of Southeast Asia's capital power projects, though the market region still heavily relies on thermal power. In general, though a few countries have adopted nuclear energy programs as well as renewable energy policies, thermal power, especially coal, is likely to continue as the dominant energy source. Despite the thermal trend, renewable energy projects pack a significant punch, accounting for nearly $60 billion in investments.

Wind power is getting a fair deal of attention, especially in the Philippines, where it accounts for more than $4 billion in renewable energy investments. Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia are also lucrative markets, with total investments reaching nearly $3.5 billion. Solar is now also becoming a more promising renewable energy technology for Southeast Asia. The Philippines again takes the lead in this sector, however, Thailand and Malaysia are growing as well.

While Malaysia accounts for a relatively small portion of Southeast Asia's solar power investments, it accounts for a notable portion of Asia's polysilicon development. Though small in comparison to giants like South Korea and China in East Asia, it already has an established polysilicon capacity and is showing as much promise as emerging producer countries in Western Asia in terms of new developments.

In Malaysia, two large polysilicon projects are scheduled to begin next year. One will be headed by Tokuyama Corporation (TYO:4043) (Tokyo), which already operates one polysilicon production facility in Malaysia, while the other will be headed by Bosch Solar Energy AG (FWB:ES6) (Erfurt, Germany). Other companies, such as MEMC Electronic Materials Incorporated (NYSE:WFR) (St. Peters, Missouri), are also planning to expand their polysilicon capacities in Malaysia.

The Bosch Solar Energy and Tokuyama projects, due for completion in 2013 and 2014, respectively, will boost Malaysia's polysilicon capacity by at least an annual 40,000 tons. By the end of 2011, the global polysilicon capacity is expected to reach nearly 290,000 tons per year.

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