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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the development of a 250 MW solar power project equipped with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on vacant defence land in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. The project will be the first large-scale renewable energy initiative to be developed on defence land in India, marking a significant milestone in integrating clean energy with national security infrastructure.
The solar project will be established on nearly 850 acres of unused defence land located in the former cantonment area of Sitapur. Along with large-scale solar power generation, the project will incorporate an advanced Battery Energy Storage System to store excess electricity and ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for defence establishments.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the initiative aims to maximise the utilisation of vacant defence land while strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on conventional grid-based electricity. The project is also expected to lower long-term electricity procurement costs for defence installations and contribute to the government’s clean energy and carbon reduction goals.
The renewable energy project will primarily cater to the electricity requirements of defence establishments across Uttar Pradesh, providing stable, affordable and sustainable power. Officials believe the integration of battery storage technology will improve energy reliability by ensuring that solar energy generated during peak production hours can be stored and used whenever required.
The project will be developed by NTPC Limited, which will implement the solar plant through a competitive bidding process to ensure cost-effective power supply for defence facilities. The execution of the project will involve close coordination between the Ministry of Defence, Army Headquarters, Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE) and NTPC to ensure timely completion.
The Defence Ministry described the project as a unique example of combining national security, energy security, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. By utilising renewable energy infrastructure on defence land, the initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions while supporting India’s broader transition towards cleaner sources of energy.
Officials also stated that the Sitapur project will serve as a benchmark for future renewable energy developments on defence properties across the country. If successful, similar solar and battery storage projects could be implemented at other defence establishments, helping optimise unused government land while improving energy resilience.
The approval reflects the government’s growing focus on integrating renewable energy into strategic infrastructure and demonstrates how defence assets can contribute to national sustainability objectives alongside their primary security role.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, unintentional errors or omissions may occur. Readers are encouraged to verify important information through official sources.
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