Task 8 Status Report
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Last updated: 30 May 2004

Overall objectives

Fig. 1 - Image of a VLS-PV System in a Desert Area. The objective of Task 8 is to examine and evaluate the feasibility of Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems on desert areas, which have a capacity ranging from over multi megawatt to gigawatt, and develop practical project proposals for demonstrative research toward realization of the VLS-PV Systems in the future.

For this purpose, in Phase I (1999-2002), the key factors that enable VLS-PV system feasibility are identified and the benefits of this system’s application for neighboring regions are clarified as well as the potential contribution of system application to global environment protection and renewable energy utilization in the long term is clarified. Mid- and long-term scenario options for making VLS-PV systems feasible in some given areas will be also proposed.

In Phase II (2003 – 2005), case studies on VLS-PV systems are carried out in depth and practical proposals for demonstrative research projects on pilot PV system suitable for selected regions, which enable sustainable growth into VLS-PV Systems in the future, and general instruction to propose practical projects for large-scale PV system are developed.
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Fig. 2 - “ENERGY FROM THE DESERT“: Cover Page.

Successful completion of Task 8's phase I (1999-2002)

The first phase of Task 8, which was launched in 1999, successfully completed its mission and published the report, “ENERGY FROM THE DESERT,” which is a commercially available book. This approximately 200-page book covers not only remarkable results of our studies but also a wide range of photovoltaic technologie from solar cells from system application. It consists of three parts (Part I – III).

Part I, entitled, “Background and Concept of VLS-PV,” describes world energy issues and global environmental issues surrounding renewable energy technologies, an overview of photovoltaic technology and a VLS-PV system concept is introduced. Part II, “VLS-PV Case Studies,” gives several case studies for specific deserts in the world conducted during Phase I of Task 8. Fig. 3 shows the result of the preliminary cost analysis of VLS-PV systems. This figure suggests that VLS-PV in desert areas will be economical feasible in near future according to cost reduction in PV module. Part III, “Scenario Studies and Recommendations,” represents the conclusion of the entire report. In this part, there is a scenario concept for sustainable growth of VLS-PV systems; financial and organizational sustainability are discussed and recommendations are presented to a variety of stakeholders.

To celebrate the book’s publication, a fruitful international symposium was held on May 18, 2003 in Osaka, Japan, in conjunction with the Third World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion (WCPEC-3). About 250 participants from all over the world joined this symposium and exchanged their views on the future of VLS-PV systems.
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Launch of Task 8's second phase (2003-2005)

In succession of the promising results of its first phase activity, Task 8 has started the second phase of its activity for the period from 2003 to 2005.
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Means

Fig. 3 - Best Estimates of Generation Cost of VLS-PV Systems for Six Major Deserts in the World. In Task 8’s second phase, Subtask 2 continues and two new subtasks (Subtask 4 and 5) have been initiated:

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Deliverables

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Fig. 4 - Task 8 International Symposium held at Osaka in May 2003 in conjunction with WCPEC-3.

Participants

Currently there are eight countries participating in Task 8, with representatives from research institutes, universities, utilities, PV consultancies and industries. Participants and experts supporting them are listed in Task 8 participants.
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Meeting schedule (since 1999 and planned 2004)

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