SHIMLA: Tapri in Kinnaur district is set to  get a state-of-the-art Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Store, empowered by innovative geothermal technology.

 The state government has sealed a pact with Iceland-based company Geotropy Iceland for the project, worth Rs. 8 crore.

The MoU was signed by Sudesh Kumar Mokhta, Managing Director of HPMC, on behalf of the State Government, and Thomas Ottohansson, Chairman of Geotropy Iceland.

The CA store, with a storage capacity of one thousand tons, aims to benefit local apple growers by providing advanced storage facilities.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the state government's commitment to supporting the project, emphasizing geothermal energy as a renewable source that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.

The adoption of geothermal technology aligns with the government's environmental preservation goals, with the first CA store expected to be operational within a year.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister expressed plans for additional geothermal technology-based CA stores in the Sutlej Valley area and directed efforts to explore the potential of utilizing this technology for electricity generation in the state.

Geotropy Iceland's Chairman, Thomas Ottohansson, provided insights into the project, emphasizing the advantages of employing geothermal technology for advanced storage facilities.