Task 8 Status Report - Annual report 2001

Task 8 Status Report
Very large scale PV power generation systems

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Last updated: 24 November 2002

Task 8 of the IEA-PVPS programme: Very large scale PV power generation systems

Overall objective

The objective of Task 8 is to examine and evaluate the potential of Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems, which have a capacity ranging from multi-megawatt to gigawatt, by identifying the key factors that enable VLS-PV system feasibility and clarifying the benefits of this system’s application to neighbouring regions. The potential contribution of system application to protection of the global environment and renewable energy utilization in the long term also will be clarified. Mid- and long-term scenario options for making VLS-PV systems feasible in certain areas will be proposed.

To complete the overall objectives, participants carry out three Subtasks in series:

Subtask 8.1: Conceptual Study of the VLS-PV System
The conceptual configuration of VLS-PV systems is developed from the viewpoint of technological/economical feasibility and the life cycle of the systems. The criteria for selecting regions for case studies of the installation of VLS-PV systems are also identified and then the regions for case studies will be nominated.
Subtask 8.2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation of VLS-PV system
Employing the results from Subtask 1, case studies on VLS-PV systems for the selected regions are undertaken. In the case studies, the effects, benefits and environmental impacts are evaluated.
Subtask 8.3: Comprehensive Evaluation of the Feasibility of VLS-PV system
Joint assessment of the results from the Subtask 2 is carried out by summarizing similarities and differences in the impact of VLS-PV system installation in different areas. Mid- and long-term scenario options that will enable the feasibility of VLS-PV system are proposed.

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Fig. 2 - Technical visit to the Gobi desert (at 6th Participants Meeting)

Accomplishments for 2001

A half-day international symposium was held in Korea in June 2001, in conjunction with PVSEC-12. About 50 people joined this symposium from 13 countries. Korean media also took up this event as well as PVSEC-12. The symposium closed with great success.
The 1st Mongolian Photovoltaic Conference (MOPVC-1) was held in the beginning of September 2001, at Ulan Bator, in conjunction with the 6th Task 8 meeting. Some of Task 8 participants contributed to give their invited speech on specific topics and chaired several sessions.

Subtask 8.1: Conceptual Study of the VLS-PV System
Background data such as world energy and environmental issues, technology and market trend for photovoltaics have been collected. Both degradation issues and O&M experiences were discussed in depth.
Subtask 8.2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation of VLS-PV system
Several case studies are in progress. Concerning the Gobi desert, a basic design for 100 MW VLS-PV system was completed, and energy payback time (EPT), CO2 emission rate and generation cost were evaluated. Socio-economic impacts resulted from technology transfer of PV module fabrication were discussed for the Sahara case study.
High concentration technology applied to the Negev desert was also investigated
Subtask 8.3: Comprehensive Evaluation of the Feasibility of VLS-PV system
Some promising concepts for sustainable development and growth scenario of VLS-PV system were shown. These sustainable scenarios include decommissioning and recycling of the VLS-PV system, on-site production of PV modules with economical and financial aspects.

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Activities planned for 2002

Subtask 8.1: Conceptual Study of the VLS-PV System
The data acquisition activity to complete this Task 8 will be continued.
Subtask 8.2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation of VLS-PV system
All the case study now in progress will be completed, and a rough case study for major deserts in the world will be developed.
Subtask 8.3: Comprehensive Evaluation of the Feasibility of VLS-PV system
Mid- and long-term scenarios for sustainable growth of VLS-PV system will be concluded. And the final technical report including all the outputs from subtask 1, subtask 2 and this task will be completed.

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Key deliverables (2001 and planned)

Internal publication: A Preliminary Analysis of Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems: Report IEA-PVPS VI-5 1999:1
External Publication: “A desert produces energy”, official brochure of Task 8

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Participating countries, key participants in 2001 and their organizations

Currently there are seven countries participating in Task 8, with representatives from research institutes, universities, utilities, PV consultancy and industry. The participants and experts supporting them are listed in Task 8 participants.
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Meeting schedule (2001 and planned 2002)

5th Task 8 Participants Meeting, June 9-10, 2001, Cheju Is. (Korea)
International Symposium, June 11, 2001, Cheju Is (as a side event of PVSEC-12) 6th Task 8 Participants Meeting, 2-4 September 2001, Ulan Bator (Mongolia)
7th Task 8 Participants Meeting, 27 February – 1 March 2002, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
8th (final) Task 8 Participants Meeting, 12-14 September 2002, Poland International Symposium, 18 May 2003, Osaka, Japan (as a side event of WCPEC-3)

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