Overall objectives

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 were 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 discussed.
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Means

• Subtask 2: Case studies for selected regions for installation of VLS-PV system on deserts
• Subtask 4: Proposals of practical project for sustainable development
• Subtask 5: General instruction for project proposals to realize VLS-PV systems in the future

Subtask 2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation of VLS-PV System on Deserts

• 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
  The following case studies were carried out and drafted for a technical report:
  • A Life-Cycle Analysis for Various Very Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Generation (VLS-PV) Systems in World Deserts
  • Resource Analysis of Solar Energy by Using Satellite Image
  • The Highest Efficiency PV Module by Practical Concentrator Technologies, Performance, Reliability and Applications to Deserts (HCPV)
  • Recent Development in Low-Concentration Photovoltaics (LCPV)
  • Application of Bifacial PV Cells to VLS-PV
  • Large Scale PV Plant Experience in Arizona Desert and Evaluation of the Energy Payback Time
  • Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Systems: Similarities and Differences
  • Impact Assessment of VLS-PV on Global Climate

Subtask 4: Proposals of practical projects for sustainable development

• Objectives
  Practical project proposals for the initial stage of VLS-PV systems, which will enable sustainable growth of VLS-PV systems toward the future, are developed for some desert areas.

• Major activities
  The following projects are proposed and drafted for the technical report:
  • The Mediterranean Region: Case Study of Very Large Scale PV in the Mediterranean Region
  • The Middle East region: A Top-Down Approach for Introducing VLS-PV Plants to the Middle-East
  • Demonstrative Research Project for VLS-PV on the Gobi Desert of Mongolia
  • Feasibility Study on 8MW Large-Scale PV System in Dunhuang, China
  • Oceania Region: Realising VLS-PV Power Generation System at Perenjori
  • Desert Region Community Development (See Fig. 2)

Subtask 5: General Instructions for Project Proposals to Realize 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 discussed to enable others to implement sustainable VLS-PV systems in the future.

• Major activities
  Based on experts' experiences in the field of PV and large-scale renewable technology including industry, project developers, investors, policy-makers, etc., successful and unsuccessful factors for the VLS-PV project, on both technical and non-technical aspects, are clarified. Existing financial schemes are overviewed and available financial and institutional scenarios and case studies are also discussed. The instructions comprise non-technical issues as well as technical issues, to enable others to implement sustainable VLS-PV systems in the future.

Other activities

• Publication of the Technical Report
  The final draft of the Task 8 technical report based on the Phase II activities has been completed. The report will be published by James and James in 2006.

• Extended Work plan for Phase III (2006-2008)
  A 3-year extension of Task 8 activity was discussed and approved. The extended work plan consists of the following three subtasks:
  • Subtask 2: Case Studies for Selected Regions for Installation of VLS-PV Systems
  • Subtask 5: General Instruction for Practical Project Proposals to Realize VLS-PV Systems in the Future
  • Subtask 6: Future technical options for implementing VLS-PV systems

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
  
  • Book: Energy from the desert, James and James, 2003 (ISBN 1 902916 417)
  • Report: Summary - Energy from the desert, 2003
  • Book: Energy from the desert II: Practical Proposals for Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Systems (to be published by James and James in 2006)

Participants

Meeting schedule

• Meetings Held
  
  • 1st 28-29 June 1999, Paris (France)
  • 2nd 1-2 December 1999, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
  • 3rd 30 April 2000, Glasgow (UK)
  • 4th 15-16 September 2000, Sacramento (USA)
  • 5th 9-10 June 2001, Cheju Is. (Korea)
  • 6th 2-4 September 2001, Ulan Bator (Mongolia)
  • 7th 27 February - 1 March 2002, Utrecht (The Netherlands)
  • 8th 12-13 September 2002, Warsaw (Poland)
  • 9th June 30-July 1, 2003, Lens (France)
  • 10th 2-5 February 2004, Perth (Australia)
  • 11th 5-6 June 2004, Paris (France)
  • 12th 9-11 January 2005, Scottsdale (USA)
  • 13th 2-4 June 2005, Leipzig (Germany)
  • 14th 8-10 September 2005, Vancouver (Canada)

• Meetings Planned
  
  • 15th 5-6 May 2006, Hawaii Island (USA)
  • 16th 6-8 October 2006, Makuhari (Japan)
  • International Symposium, 9 October, Makuhari (Japan) (as a side event of Renewable Energy 2006)