BEIJING: China’s Ministry of Commerce proposed solar export controls covering 12 manufacturing technologies on Friday, citing their growing use in aerospace and defence.
Exporters already must register specified overseas technology transfers while authorities consider the final catalogue. However, that interim requirement does not mean the proposed bans have taken effect.
The draft would prohibit exports of certain thin-wafer manufacturing methods, perovskite and tandem solar-cell technologies, and large-scale fluidised-bed polysilicon production processes.
Other advanced solar-cell manufacturing technologies would face restrictions rather than outright prohibitions.
Perovskite technology offers the potential for greater conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, tandem cells combine perovskite and silicon layers to capture more of the sunlight spectrum.
Fluidised-bed processing produces polysilicon, a key material for solar panels. It uses less energy and costs less than the dominant Siemens production process.
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China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology jointly issued the proposal as part of a wider review. That revision also covers artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
The commerce ministry argued that oversight should prevent sensitive technology from spreading improperly while preserving international scientific cooperation. It also said the measures do not target a particular country, region or company.
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Importantly, the proposed controls target manufacturing technology and specified equipment, not a general ban on finished solar panels. The ministry said products made using the technologies fall outside the proposed controls. Public consultation closes on November 15.
