Authors:	Kurokawa, Kosuke (editor)
Organization:	Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT) Published by James & James (Science Publishers) Ltd.
Reference:	Summary Energy from the desert
Date of issue:	May 2003
Details:	28 pages: graphs, photos, tables Note that also the full report is available and can be ordered from James & James as well
Download:	Click here to open or download this report as PDF file (1869 kB)
Type:	Report IEA  PVPS Task 8
Available from:	James & James (Science Publishers) Ltd 8-12 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JK, United Kingdom Web: http://www.jxj.com/catofpub/energy_desert.html
Abstract:	The world’s deserts are sufficiently large that, in theory, covering a fraction of their landmass with PV-systems could generate many times the current primary energy supply. Moreover, the energy produced is from solar radiation – a clean and renewable source – hence such systems should have the potential to contribute massively to the protection of the global environment. Energy from the Desert is extensive and high-level international study, representing the accumulated research of the worlds experts involved in Task 8 of the IEA  PVPS programme. This summary highlights the principal findings of the full report.
	To date, the market focus for photovoltaics has been on small to medium, stand-alone or building-integrated power systems, which have proven, but as yet not realized, the great potential of this technology. Energy from the desert evaluates the feasibility, potential and global benefits of very large scale photovoltaic power generation (VLS-PV) systems deployed in desert areas and each generating from 10 MW to several gigawatts. The study details the background and concept of VLS-PV, maps out a development path towards the realization of VLS-PV systems, and provides firm recommendations to achieve long-term targets, based on the findings of the IEA  PVPS Task 8 experts. Critical aspects examined are: Photovoltaic technologies, systems design and plant operation Finance, cost benefits and profitability Impact on and benefit to global, regional and local environment Policy-level and investment issues. Energy from the Desert is the first study to provide a concrete set of answers to the questions that must be addressed in order to secure and exploit the potential for VLS-PV technology and its global benefits. It will be invaluable to governments, energy planners, policy makes, utilities and international organizations assessing the potential for this technology, PV-systems manufacturers and infrastructure provides wishing to develop this new market and consultants, scientists, researchers and engineers involved in the field.

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