The facility will be constructed on 850 acres of vacant defence land at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment), Uttar Pradesh.
File Photo: IANS
A new milestone in India’s renewable energy journey has been marked with the approval of a first-of-its-kind solar power project on defence land, combining clean energy generation with advanced storage technology to strengthen the power needs of defence establishments.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the development of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment), Uttar Pradesh, on around 850 acres of vacant defence land.
Advertisement
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the project will mark the first large-scale renewable energy initiative on defence land with integrated BESS support, setting a benchmark for future solar and energy storage projects in the defence sector.
Advertisement
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has approved the first large-scale Solar-BESS project on defence land at Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. Developed by NTPC, the 250 MW renewable energy initiative will strengthen energy security for defence establishments across the state while delivering… pic.twitter.com/gLuIEwnOyJ
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) June 9, 2026
The solar-BESS project is aimed at improving long-term energy security for defence establishments across Uttar Pradesh while reducing dependence on conventional grid power.
The initiative is also expected to bring substantial savings in electricity expenditure for defence facilities over the lifecycle of the project, supporting the government’s focus on sustainability and efficient use of resources.
The project will be developed through NTPC Limited under the MoD’s initiative to utilise vacant defence land for productive purposes.
First-of-its-kind MoD initiative: It will be the first major solar-plus-storage project developed by the Ministry of Defence on defence property.
250 MW renewable energy capacity: The project will establish a major solar power generation facility to support defence energy requirements.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): The integrated storage facility will improve energy reliability and support efficient power management.
850 acres of defence land: The facility will be constructed at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment), Uttar Pradesh, using vacant defence land.
Lower power expenditure: The initiative is expected to reduce the cost burden of procuring conventional electricity for defence establishments.
Future benchmark: The project is planned as a model for upcoming renewable energy and storage initiatives within the defence sector.
NTPC Limited will implement the project through a competitive bidding process to achieve optimal energy pricing and savings.
The implementation will be carried out in coordination with the Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE).
The Ministry of Defence, NTPC, Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) and DGDE will work together to ensure timely execution.
The project reflects the convergence of national security, energy security, technological advancement and environmental sustainability, highlighting the MoD’s effort to use its assets while supporting broader national development goals.
Advertisement
