Overall objectives
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 neighboring 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.
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Means
To complete the overall objectives, participants carry out three Subtasks in series:
- Subtask 1: Conceptual Study of the VLS-PV System
- Subtask 2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation of VLS-PV System
- Subtask 3: Comprehensive Evaluation of the Feasibility of VLS-PV System
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Subtask 1: Conceptual study of the VLS-PV systems
- Objective
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.
- Major Activities in the Past
Background data for case studies to be undertaken in Subtask 2 were collected, and recent international activities on global environmental issues such as COP and IPCC were investigated. In addition, existing researches for added values of PV systems were reviewed.
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Subtask 2: Case studies for selected regions for installation of VLS-PV systems
- Objective
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.
- Major Activities in the Past
The following case studies were completed: preliminary cost analysis of VLS-PV System in world major deserts, life-cycle analysis of VLS-PV systems on the Gobi desert, case studies on the Sahara desert in terms of network concept and technology transfer, and case studies of sun-tracking concentrator PV system on the Negev desert.
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Subtask 3: Comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility of VLS-PV system
- Objective
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.
- Major Activities in the Past
Three sustainable scenario studies were developed showing that “sustainable local economic growth”, “sustainable technological-environmental development and non-technological demonstration” and “financial (stakeholder) support” are possible when a long-term perspective is developed and maintained. In addition, recommendations for various stakeholders were summarized.
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Other activities
Publication of the Technical Report - The final draft of Task 8 technical report entitled Energy from the desert has been completed. This report, which will have more than 200 pages, will be published by James and James in May, 2003.
Extension of Task 8 Workplan – A 3-year extension of Task 8 activity, which focuses on practical project proposal suitable for selected regions, was discussed and approved. The tentative extended workplan consists of the following two subtasks: “Subtask 4: Practical Project Proposals for Initial Stage of VLS-PV Systems for Some Desert Areas”, and “Subtask 5: General Instructions for Practical Project Proposals to Realize VLS-PV Systems in the Future.”
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Deliverables
- Internal Publication
-
Report: A Preliminary Analysis of Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems: Report IEA-PVPS VI-5 1999:1
- External Publications
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Task 8 participants
Currently there are seven countries participating in Task 8, with representatives from research institutes, universities, utilities, PV consultancy and industry. For contact details see Task 8 participants.
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Meeting schedule
- Meetings Held
- 1st Task 8 Participants Meeting, June 28-29, 1999, Paris (France)
- 2nd Task 8 Participants Meeting, December 1-2, 1999, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
- 3rd Task 8 Participants Meeting, April 30, 2000, Glasgow (UK) International Workshop, May 2, 2000, Glasgow (as a side event of EUPSEC-16)
- 4th Task 8 Participants Meeting, September 15-16, 2000, Sacramento (USA)
- 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 Task 8 Participants Meeting, 12-13 September 2002, Warsaw (Poland)
- Meetings Planned
- International Symposium, 18 May 2003, Osaka (as a side event of WCPEC-3)
- 9th Task 8 Participants Meeting, 4-5 July 2003, Brussels (Belgium)
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