Shimla, Nov 20 (FN Agency) An Iceland-based company, Geotropy Iceland, would set up a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Store in Tapri, Kinnaur district, on a pilot based using innovative geothermal technology, benefitting local apple growers. A pact was inked between the state government and the company in this regard, in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, here on Saturday. The managing director of HPMC, Sudesh Kumar Mokhta, signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, while the chairman of Geotropy Iceland, Thomas Ottohansson, represented the company. The CA store would have a storage capacity of one thousand tonnes and would be erected at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore.
The Chief Minister said that the state government would provide all possible assistance to the company in realizing this project, as geothermal energy is a renewable source that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. “The adoption of geothermal technology is useful in reducing carbon footprints, aligning with the state government’s goal to preserve the environment. I am hopeful that the first geothermal technology-based CA store will be complete within a period of one year,” Sh. Sukhu said. In the times to come, additional geothermal technology-based CA stores will be established in the Sutlej Valley area, said the Chief Minister, who is directed to explore the possibilities of utilizing this new-age technology for electricity generation in the state.
The chairman of the company, Thomas Ottohansson, provided insights into the project, underscoring the advantages of employing geothermal technology for the storage facility. The apple industry is considered the backbone of the hill economy as it provides Rs 5500 crore in revenue per annum to the state GDP, rendering the livelihoods of three lakh apple growers. States have massive potential in apple processing, packaging, and control atmosphere units.