UP: Rajnath Singh nod for 1st large-scale solar power project on defence land at Sitapur
New Delhi, June 9
In a major step towards enhancing energy security, promoting renewable energy and 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 at Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, on approximately 850 acres of vacant defence land.
According to an official release from the Defence Ministry, this is the first-of-its-kind project undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), involving the development of a large-scale solar power generation facility with integrated BESS support on defence land.
The initiative reflects the Government'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 the procurement of conventional grid power for defence establishments, resulting in significant savings to the Government exchequer over the life cycle of the project.
NTPC Limited 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 the Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE), a release said.
The project represents a convergence of national security, energy security, technological innovation and environmental sustainability, highlighting the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to leverage its assets in support of national development goals while safeguarding strategic interests.
MoD, NTPC, IHQ of MoD (Army) and DGDE will work in close coordination to ensure the 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, a release added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, some practical steps towards green energy! But I hope the tender process is transparent and we get the best prices. Also, 250 MW is a good start but we need thousands of MW to meet our targets. Hope this becomes a model for other states too!
Impressive to see India's defence forces leading by example in renewable energy. The battery storage integration is crucial for grid stability. This is the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure that every country needs.
Great initiative! But I have a small concern - 850 acres of defence land could have been used for solar AND farming. We need dual-use models like agrivoltaics where solar panels are raised high enough for crops to grow underneath. Would love to see that innovation too! 🌱☀️
This is what we call ‘vocal for local’ in energy! Reducing our oil import bill while making defence forces self-reliant in power. Rajnath ji has done well. Now replicate this in Rajasthan and Gujarat deserts too - unlimited potential there! 🚀
Smart move combining national security with energy security. The battery storage component is particularly important for ensuring reliable power for critical defence infrastructure. Hope this inspires similar projects globally.
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