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 new 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.

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. The third book in the Energy from the Desert series examines the socio-economic, environmental and financial issues surrounding the use of Very Large Scale Photovoltaics (VLS-PV). It provides detailed coverage of technology and financing options (including recent and future trends in PV technology), potential social benefits such as desalination and agricultural development, and environmental and ecological impacts of systems and how these can be monitored, illustrated by case studies from the Sahara and Gobi Deserts. The concluding section consists of a roadmap outlining the options and opportunities for future implementation of VLS-PV. Building on the key concepts and case studies of previous volumes, this will be a key text for policy-makers and investors in the field.