China will restrict exports of several solar technologies, as Beijing seeks to maintain its technological edge in renewable energy while countries including the US and India ramp up domestic manufacturing.

The country will add 12 solar-related technologies and core equipment to a list of items subject to export controls, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday, which cited the need to safeguard national security and interests. The measures are part of a broader revision targeting 40 key technologies, including those related to artificial intelligence and biopharmaceuticals.

The new rules include a ban on exports of production technology for perovskite and tandem solar modules. The emerging technology is more efficient and can be used in space-based solar. Some technologies used in the production of polysilicon, a key raw material for the solar industry, will also face export restrictions.

“In recent years, the application of solar technology in sensitive fields such as aerospace, national defense, unmanned equipment, and high-security-level infrastructure has been continuously expanding,” the ministry said in the statement. “The national security risks that may be caused by the export of solar technology have been constantly rising. It is necessary to implement timely and appropriate supervision.”The restrictions come as countries including the US and India seek to expand their own solar manufacturing industries to reduce their reliance on Chinese suppliers, which dominate much of the global photovoltaic supply chain. Solar firms in those countries continue to depend on China for some key materials, equipment and technologies, according to BloombergNEF.

The Chinese government said the latest measures were made after consultation with the industry and cover only a small number of technologies. The country will continue to support international exchanges and cooperation on green technologies, the ministry said.