Key Messages

Atria Power Ltd.'s Multi Utility Solar Thermal (MUST) system, which is expected to be set up at Bagepalli, Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka, will be a unique poly-generation unit, producing electrical power and potable water. It will also support a cold storage unit. The power will be generated using solar thermal technology, potable water will be produced using a Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) system and the cold storage unit will be operated through a Vapour Absorption Chiller (VAC). Towards this, CSTEP conducted a study to perform an assessment of the Multi Utility Solar Thermal (MUST) system through a detailed technical analysis, followed by a primary village survey to obtain key data related to power, agriculture, water, biomass and cold storage. The study analysed the financial aspects of the project and policy implications, based on the existing support mechanisms provided by the government.