Why is the UK involved?

The market for PV in developing countries is potentially enormous - with over 2 billion people without access to modern electricity services. Task 9 is aiming to encourage the appropriate deployment of PV as a serious option for rural electrification in developing countries.

The PV market is potentially worth billions of pounds and the UK is currently well placed to capitalise on this market. However, from a market perspective, PV is still in its infancy. If the UK is to be a major player in a well-developed and mature industry, it is important that the current market share is retained and investment in the industry made in its early development.

UK involvement in Task 9 is seen as complementary to all the other activities within the PVPS programme and also helps in meeting one of the DTI's aims by supporting British industry to be more competitive and expand into new markets - particularly export markets.

The UK acts as the Operating Agent (leader) for this activity. As well as leading the current work the UK has been leading Task 9 over the last 5 years (Phase 1) and was a key driving force behind its success and the development of Phase 2 of Task 9 for the period 2004 to 2009. The provision of a UK Operating Agent not only confirms the leadership of the UK in market-ready PV, but assists in facilitating access to funding opportunities from the World Bank, EC and other International Agencies as well as assisting UK companies, and SMEs in particular, in exploiting export opportunities. UK leadership of the Task also elevates British knowledge and involvement with CDM and JI activities.