TER: The key catalyst, then, is getting that permit

RD: That's correct. We don't have any reason to believe that the permit will not be issued. We have completed all of our studies—archeological, geotechnical, hydrology, water quality, drainage, environmental, biological. It's just a matter of working through the normal bureaucratic process. We hope to have the project completely operational sometime next year.

TER: And that would lead to your second project. Beyond having the 5-megawatt plant up and running, do any conditions or milestones need to be reached to facilitate that?

RD: No, not at all. In fact, we are working on not just one other project but several. There will be a second phase in Needles but the power purchaser is a different entity. We will begin that project shortly after the 5-megawatt project is completed. We're already working on all of the permitting for the project; we just haven't made any formal announcements yet.

TER: Assuming that the first 5-megawatts goes according to plan, what do you think this means for International Automated Systems?

RD: Once the IAS technology is proven, it will show the marketplace its potential and I anticipate that would be quite good for the company. Having the ability to introduce low-cost solar to the marketplace in an innovative way could be a real boon.

TER: A lot of other utilities would be looking at this, especially in light of the fact that government mandates may be requiring up to one-third of their power either purchased or produced green within 10 years.

RD: That's correct. And this really is a utility play. A lot of other technologies are better-suited for a shingled, residential home. IAS is not that, and from that standpoint, you're absolutely correct. I am sure the utilities are eyeballing this and are very aware of it. Obviously, their intention is to not only to buy as much solar and as much renewable as they can, but to do it as cost effectively as possible. So there's a tremendous upside for IAS if it can produce renewable energy 40% to 50% cheaper than its competition.

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