China proposes export controls on solar-manufacturing technologies

Beijing has recommended imposing export limitations on 12 technologies essential for solar panel production, citing national security concerns as part of a wider revision encompassing artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The Ministry of Commerce announced the proposal on Friday, stating that heightened monitoring is necessary as solar technologies are being utilized in sensitive domains such as aerospace and national defense.

Chinese officials engaged in preliminary discussions with manufacturers regarding possible restrictions on advanced solar-panel manufacturing technologies in April, a move that could adversely affect US companies like Tesla's expansion plans in the United States.

Beijing has also limited exports of solar-manufacturing technology to India, according to Reuters reports. Experts believe China's objective is to safeguard its market leadership as India endeavors to establish domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese technology. The export restrictions aim to mitigate the risks of technologies spiraling out of control or being improperly disseminated, while maintaining normal international exchanges and collaboration in science and technology, according to the ministry.

Exporters must now register specific overseas technology transfers until the export-control catalog is officially updated. Public comment on the proposal will be accepted until November 15. The proposal would outlaw technologies used to produce thin wafers, perovskite and tandem solar cells, as well as large-scale fluidized-bed polysilicon manufacturing technologies.

Perovskite represents an emerging technology with the potential for enhanced energy conversion efficiency. Tandem cells integrate perovskite and silicon layers to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight. Fluidized-bed technology for polysilicon production, a crucial component for solar panels, is more cost-effective and energy-efficient than the widely used Siemens process.

China would also restrict, though not prohibit, exports of advanced solar cell manufacturing technologies, including TOPCon, HJT, and XBC.