Defence Minister Gives Green Light to 250 MW Solar Power Project on Defence Land in Uttar Pradesh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has sanctioned the creation of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative marks the first significant renewable energy project on Indian defence land.
This project will occupy approximately 850 acres of unused defence land in the former Sitapur Cantonment. Its goal is to enhance the long-term energy security of defence facilities while promoting sustainable and clean energy solutions.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) indicated that this venture is a crucial move towards the optimal use of vacant defence land. It aligns with the Government's broader goals of renewable energy adoption, environmental sustainability, and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
The Sitapur project is a pioneering solar energy initiative on defence land, incorporating a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ensure electricity storage and supply even during periods without generation.
This development is expected to provide dependable green energy to defence establishments in Uttar Pradesh and significantly reduce conventional grid power expenses throughout its operation.
Officials have noted that this project will lead to substantial long-term savings for the government and contribute to India's goals of transitioning to clean energy.
NTPC Limited will execute the project through a competitive bidding process designed to secure optimal energy pricing and financial benefits for defence establishments.
Implementation will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates.
This project is described by the Ministry as an innovative convergence of national security, energy security, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. By using underutilised defence land for strategic renewable energy production, it is expected to boost the operational resilience of military sites while supporting national development goals.
The solar park is anticipated to contribute to India's renewable energy objectives and help decrease the carbon footprint of defence establishments.
Once completed, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to become one of the largest renewable energy projects on defence land in India and serve as a model for future solar-plus-storage projects within the defence sector.
The Ministry of Defence, NTPC, Army Headquarters, and the Directorate General Defence Estates will collaborate closely to ensure the project's timely execution.
Officials believe this initiative could open opportunities for similar renewable energy projects on vacant defence lands nationwide, establishing a sustainable model that supports both military preparedness and environmental responsibility.
