Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step towards strengthening energy security and promoting renewable energy in the defence sector.
The project, to be developed on around 850 acres of vacant defence land at the former Sitapur Cantonment, is the first large-scale solar power initiative with battery storage support to be established on defence land by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
According to the Ministry of Defence, the project aims to enhance long-term energy security for defence establishments while ensuring optimum utilisation of vacant defence land. It is also expected to reduce dependence on conventional power sources and generate substantial savings in electricity expenditure over its operational life.
The 250 MW solar project will be implemented by NTPC Limited through a competitive bidding process aimed at securing optimal energy pricing and maximising savings for defence establishments.
The ministry said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to clean energy, sustainability and efficient use of public assets. The project is expected to support the Defence Forces’ energy requirements while contributing to national renewable energy goals.
The implementation will be carried out in close coordination among NTPC, the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE).
Officials said the project represents a convergence of national security, energy security, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. It is also expected to serve as a model for future solar and energy storage projects on defence land across the country.
Upon completion, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to emerge as one of the country’s most significant renewable energy installations on defence land and set a benchmark for solar-plus-storage infrastructure in the defence sector.
The Ministry of Defence said all stakeholders will work closely to ensure timely execution of the project and maximise its long-term benefits for defence establishments and the government.
