Uzbekistan will impose a ban on importing solar panels, inverters and energy storage systems from manufacturers not listed on the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Tier-1 ranking starting January 1, 2025, according to Gazeta.uz. 

Under new regulations, the Ministry of Energy and the Customs Committee must publish and update the BNEF Tier-1 list monthly on their official websites. 

Despite the policy’s formalisation, the Ministry of Energy has yet to announce any detailed plans or implementation framework for the restrictions.

The BNEF Tier-1 ranking, managed by Bloomberg New Energy Finance Corp, evaluates solar panel suppliers based on their financial stability and bankability. However, it does not assess manufacturing quality, panel durability, installation standards or customer service. 

The list is updated quarterly, meaning companies may gain or lose their Tier-1 status depending on their financial performance. 

While the Tier-1 label indicates a company’s ability to meet financial obligations, it remains only one aspect of evaluating the suitability of solar panels for large-scale projects.

Uzbekistan’s domestic solar manufacturing sector has been expanding in recent years, with several key players entering the market. 

ART SOLAR, operated by Great Start Bild, has been producing solar modules since 2021 with an annual capacity of 100 MW. 

Enter Green Solar, located in the Tinchlik industrial zone, has invested $7mn in its facility, producing 377,000 solar panels annually with a 200-MW capacity. 

The enterprise is backed by a consortium of local entrepreneurs, including Said Amir Fazylov, who is associated with companies like Enter Engineering and Enera Holding. 

Another major player is Nukus Electroapparat, a Karakalpakstan-based joint venture launched in June with over $10mn in investments, a production capacity of 273,000 units, and backing from Swiss companies Tanotrade AG and Comagra Commerz & Agrar-Handel AG.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken a hands-on approach to supporting domestic manufacturers, visiting facilities like Enter Green Solar and Nukus Electroapparat to highlight the government’s commitment to the renewable energy sector. 

Uzbekistan has already incentivised local adoption of solar technology through initiatives such as offering interest-free instalment plans for locally produced solar panels and water heaters.

The new restrictions aim to promote the use of financially stable, globally recognised solar panel suppliers while encouraging domestic production.