The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the development of a 250 MW solar project with a battery energy storage system (BESS) at Sitapur (ex-cantonment) in Uttar Pradesh. The project will be set up on around 850 acres of vacant defence land and is reportedly the first large-scale solar project with integrated battery storage to be developed on defence land by the ministry.
Furthermore, NTPC Limited will implement the project through a competitive bidding process to achieve optimal energy pricing and savings. The project will be executed in coordination with the integrated headquarters of MoD (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE). MoD, NTPC, IHQ of MoD (Army), and DGDE will work together to ensure its timely completion.
The project aims to strengthen long-term energy security for the defence forces while reducing dependence on conventional grid power. It is also expected to lower electricity procurement costs for defence establishments, leading to significant savings for the government over the life of the project.
