- Rajnath Singh approves 250 MW Solar Power Project with Battery Energy Storage System
- Project to be developed on 850 acres of vacant defence land in Sitapur
- First large-scale renewable energy initiative on defence land in India
- NTPC to implement project through competitive bidding process
GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 9th June: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on defence land in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step towards enhancing energy security and promoting renewable energy in the defence sector.
The project will be developed on approximately 850 acres of vacant defence land at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment) and is the first large-scale solar power generation facility with integrated battery storage to be set up on defence land by the Ministry of Defence.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to clean energy, sustainability and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
The project is expected to strengthen long-term energy security for defence establishments across Uttar Pradesh while significantly reducing expenditure on grid electricity procurement. Officials said the initiative would generate substantial savings for the government over the project’s operational lifespan.
State-run NTPC Limited has been tasked with implementing the project through a competitive bidding process aimed at securing optimal energy pricing and maximizing savings for defence installations.
The project will be executed in coordination with the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE).
The Defence Ministry described the initiative as a convergence of national security, energy security, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. It said the project demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to utilizing vacant defence land for national development while safeguarding strategic interests.
Officials noted that the solar-plus-storage facility will serve as a model for future renewable energy projects on defence land across the country.
The Ministry of Defence, NTPC, Army Headquarters and DGDE will work jointly to ensure timely implementation of the project.
Upon completion, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to emerge as one of India’s largest renewable energy facilities established on defence land and set a benchmark for future solar and energy storage initiatives within the defence sector.
