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 global energy supply.

This Energy from the Desert volume examines and evaluates the potential of very large scale photovoltaic power generation (VLS-PV) systems. Following from the success of the first book on the subject, the authors present practical case studies of both virtual and real projects based on selected regions (including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Gobi Desert and Western Australia) and their specific socio-economic dynamics, and argue that VLS-PV systems in desert areas will be readily available in the near future.

As the essential companion to the previous International Energy Agency (IEA) volume it reiterates and develops key concepts introduced by the original study and provides firm practical recommendations to achieve long-term targets for policy-makers and investors.

part

Comprehensive Summary

part

Executive Summary A

part

Executive Summary B

chapter

VLS-PV case studies

part

Executive Summary C

part I|72 pages

Background and Concept of VLS-PV

chapter 1|8 pages

World energy issues

chapter 2|11 pages

Environmental issues

chapter 3|39 pages

An overview of photovoltaic technology

chapter 4|6 pages

World irradiation database

chapter 5|6 pages

Concept of VLS-PV

part III|45 pages

Scenario Studies and Recommendations

chapter 11|7 pages

Introduction

conclusions of Parts I and II

chapter 12|32 pages

Scenario studies

chapter 13|4 pages

Recommendations