Overall objectives
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), key factors that enable
VLS-PV systems feasibility were identified and the benefits of this system's applications for neighbouring regions were clarified as well as the potential contribution of system application to global
environment protection and renewable energy utilization in the long term was clarified. Mid- and long term scenario options for making VLS-PV systems feasible in some given areas were 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 systems 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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Means
To complete the overall objectives, participants carry out three
subtasks in the second phase:
- Subtask 2: Case studies for selected regions for installation
of VLS-PV system in deserts
- Subtask 4: Proposals of practical projects for sustainable
development
- Subtask 5: General instructions for project proposals to realize VLS-PV systems in the future
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Subtask 2: Case studies for selected regions for installation of VLS-PV systems
- Objective
Employing the concepts of VLS-PV and the criteria and other results obtained in the first phase, case studies on VLS-PV systems for
the selected regions are undertaken and the effects, benefits and
environmental impact of VLS-PV systems are evaluated.
- Major activities
In addition to previous VLS-PV case study in Phase I, evaluation on the feasibility of various kinds of VLS-PV systems has been started. A comparative case study between the fixed array VLS-PV system and the tracking VLS-PV system is ongoing to evaluate generation cost. Technologies such as thin-film Si PV modules bifacial PV module have been investigated and researched to apply to the VLS-PV System. In order to find desert area suitable for large-scale PV installation, a new methodology to evaluate soil characteristics of deserts by using remote sensing technology has been developed.
For this development, field surveys with GPS on the Gobi Desert,
the Thar Desert and Western Australia were carried out, and the
promising results were analyzed. This provided information of
suitable land area for VLS-PV systems and the potential of electricity from VLS-PV systems installed in desert areas (see Fig. 2).
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Subtask 4: Proposals of practical projects for sustainable development
- Objectives
Practical project proposals for the initial stages of VLS-PV systems, which will enable sustainable growth of VLS-PV systems toward the future, are developed for some desert areas.
- Major activities
A project proposal on the Gobi Desert in Mongolia has been discussed as a first step toward the sustainable VLS-PV operation. One candidate site proposed is a surrounding area of Sainshand, which is located in eastern part of Mongolia. Sainshand has some advantageous infrastructures to start a VLS-PV project, such as a railway, utility grid, etc. The European team proposed that they would perform a feasibility study on the socio-economic background of different target sites in the Sahara or near-Mediterranean regions with respect to the application of VLS-PV in these countries. In addition, as a “Top-Down” approach, it was reported that the project proposal for the Middle-East region would show the advantages of the PV system for use in developing countries and desert areas, and that the project would analyze the criticism that data were often lacking with regard to comparisons with other renewable energy methods. Further, a new possibility of an Australian project has been also proposed.
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Subtask 4: General instruction for project proposals to realize VLS-PV systems in the future
- Objectives
By extracting essential knowledge from the Subtask 4, detailed
practical instructions and a training kit for the development of
other practical project proposals are developed to enable others to implement sustainable VLS-PV systems in the future.
- Major activities
For the future sustainable development and spread of knowledge
base, a discussion to develop an instruction for realizing VLS-PV
systems was started. Essential knowledge from Subtask 4 will be
included in the instruction, as well as practical experiences and
governmental, financial and economic requirements for large-scale
energy development projects will be considered.
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Other activities
- Special Seminar on VLS-PV in Western Australia
In conjunction with the 10th expert meeting, a special seminar on
VLS-PV in Western Australia took place on February 2, 2004, at the
Murdoch University in Perth. This seminar was organized by the
Consortium for VLS-PV Western Australia, and approximately 50
participants including Task members joined in. Summary booklet of
“Energy from the Desert” was distributed to the participants. Task
members introduced the results of the Phase I activities and a status of the Phase II. A panel discussion was held on “How to Realize VLS-PV in Western Australia.”
- Technical Report
A technical report based on the Phase II activities will be published in spring, 2006. A purpose of the report is to reveal virtual proposals of practical projects suitable for selected regions, which enable sustainable growth of VLS-PV in the near future, and general instructions to propose practical projects for realizing VLS-PV system in the future.
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Deliverables
- Internal Publications
- 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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Participants
Task 8 participants and experts supporting them are listed in Task 8 participants.
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Meeting schedule
- Meetings Held
- 1st June 28-29, 1999, Paris (France)
- 2nd December 1-2, 1999, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
- 3rd April 30, 2000, Glasgow (UK)
- 4th September 15-16, 2000, Sacramento (USA)
- 5th June 9-10, 2001, Cheju Is. (Korea)
- 6th September 2-4, 2001, Ulan Bator (Mongolia)
- 7th February 27-March 1, 2002, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
- 8th September 12-13, 2002, Warsaw (Poland)
- 9th June 30-July 1, 2003, Lens (France)
- 10th February 2-5, 2004, Perth (Australia)
- 11th June 5-6, 2004, Paris (France)
- Meetings Planned
- 12th January 9-11, 2005, Scottsdale (USA)
- 13th June, 2005, Leipzig (Germany)
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