Rajnath approves first-ever large-scale solar power project on vacant defence land in UP

NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind project to boost energy security by ensuring optimum utilisation of vacant defence land, defence minister Rajnath Singh has approved the establishment of a 250 MW solar power project with battery energy storage system (BESS) at Sitapur (Ex-Cantt) in Uttar Pradesh.The defence ministry is undertaking the solar energy project on 850 acres of vacant defence land and it will involve development of a large-scale solar power generation facility with integrated BESS support.The initiative reflects the govt’s commitment towards clean energy, sustainability and reduction of dependence on conventional energy sources. Besides strengthening long-term energy security for the defence forces, the project is expected to substantially reduce expenditure incurred on procurement of conventional grid power for defence establishments, resulting in significant savings to the govt exchequer over the life cycle of the project, a defence ministry’s statement said.NTPC Ltd is implementing the project through a competitive bid process to realise the most optimal energy pricing and savings for defence establishments. The project will be implemented in close coordination with Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) and Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE).The project represents a convergence of national security, energy security, technological innovation and environmental sustainability, highlighting the commitment of the defence ministry to leverage its assets in support of national development goals while safeguarding strategic interests.The ministry, NTPC, IHQ of MoD (Army) and DGDE will work in close coordination to ensure timely implementation of the project.Upon completion, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to emerge as one of the country's most significant renewable energy projects established on defence land and a benchmark for future solar-plus-storage projects in the defence sector.