Many significant developments have occurred recently with respect to our International Communications-Energy Combined Application Provider Systems (ICECAPS) “Empowering the Village” Project.
This unique project is developing a company which will franchise companies to manufacture and deploy micro-electric generating stations, micro-communications stations and clean water systems. These stations can provide electrical services, clean water, as well as Internet and other communications to the most remote areas of the world.
The main components of these units fit inside a standard shipping container, which can be transported by truck, ship, rail, or helicopter. When deployed, the units basically form a micro-utility system, providing electrical and communications services, as well as education, virtual libraries and tele-medicine.
A prototype of the micro-communications station was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and several major corporations, including CII. Several units have already been deployed around the world.
The power units use a combination of a battery pack, generator, and solar panel to provide and store electricity with a very eco friendly protocol. We have also been working with the government of Brunei to develop a southeast Asian regional manufacturing facility and monitoring facility for the “Empowering the Village” Project. In that regard, Chairman Mark Grobmyer was granted an audience with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei to discuss the project. The Sultan has a significant interest in this area as indicated when he hosted the Presidents and Prime Ministers of the APEC countries at the 2000 Brunei APEC meeting.
Recently CII has been working with an energy technology company which has the ability to drill into coal beds and produce clean burning natural gas. Many coal deposits are located in remote areas or islands. The "Green Gas" produced in such locations can be used for electrical generation by ICECAPS units. This produces the electricity needed for schools, food storage, medical clinics, water systems, telecommunications equipment, as well as regular businesses and housing units.
Prototype of a Micro-communication Station.
As Chairman Grobmyer stated in his address to the World Bank Village Power Conference, CII believes that its "Empowering the Village" ICECAPS project will help many countries “leapfrog” their economic development and "bridge the economic divide”.